portico

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noun por·ti·co \ ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō \

Definition of portico

plural porticoes or porticos

:a colonnade or covered ambulatory especially in classical architecture and often at the entrance of a building

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Recent Examples of portico from the Web

The portico with its massive soaring columns was the site of many political speeches, including a campaign stop in 1960 by then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy.

— kenneth r. gosselin, courant.com, "UConn Downtown Hartford Campus Makes Its Debut During Ceremonial Event," 23 Aug. 2017
The president was joined by wife Melania, son Barron and top aides Monday afternoon to view the spectacle from the portico overlooking the South Lawn.

— Bloomberg.com, "Trump Watches Eclipse From White House," 21 Aug. 2017
The president was joined by wife Melania, son Barron and top aides Monday afternoon to view the spectacle from the portico overlooking the South Lawn.

— Washington Post, "Trump watches eclipse from White House," 21 Aug. 2017
Bedrooms and private spaces opened to a landscaped courtyard, outlined by a simple portico.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Pietro Belluschi modern masterpiece for sale at $1.1 million (photos)," 10 July 2017
Kurtz listened to this for a while, just him and Spicer beneath the White House's north portico.

— avi selk, Washington Post, "Sean Spicer says he doesn’t face reporters on TV because it would distract from the president," 25 June 2017
In early accounts of the incident, the Secret Service claims the intruder didn't get past the portico doors.

— cnn library, CNN, "White House Security Breaches Fast Facts," 14 June 2017
Overlooking the portico is a giant seal, 12 feet in diameter, of the state of California sculpted by Oregon artist and native Californian Tony Sheets.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego's new 'urban' courthouse is a modern, safer alternative to the old one," 4 June 2017
Her nest was tucked under the small portico over the door.

— lynn petrak, chicagotribune.com, "Petrak: Robins' nest offers life lessons for mothering," 31 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'portico.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of portico

Origin and Etymology of portico

Italian, from Latin porticus — more at porch

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1607

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Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

PORTICO Defined for English Language Learners

portico

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noun

Definition of portico for English Language Learners

: a row of columns supporting a roof at the entrance of a building

PORTICO Defined for Kids

portico

play

noun por·ti·co \ ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō \

Definition of portico for Students

plural porticoes or porticos

:a row of columns supporting a roof at the entrance of a building

Learn More about portico

See words that rhyme with portico Spanish Central: Translation of portico Nglish: Translation of portico for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of portico for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about portico

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portico

Definition of portico

Recent Examples of portico from the Web

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portico

Definition of portico for English Language Learners

PORTICO Defined for Kids

portico

Definition of portico for Students

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