portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō 

plural porticoes or porticos

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

Illustration of portico

Examples of portico in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The drawings show a north façade that is mostly contextual (Federal-repro porticoes) and a south front that is less so (topped with Victorian domes of vaguely mansard form). —Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 Aug. 2025

Through the portico entrance, stone flooring and dramatic archways lead in and out of large lounge areas and palatial bedrooms. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 July 2025

Seven doors — four steel-and-glass sliders and three solid, handcrafted wood portals — open onto the courtyard’s circular portico, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, reminiscent of the early California Spanish missions. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025

Falke is partial to their selection of French portico clocks: 19th-century timepieces with classical columns and gilded pendulums. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin porticus — more at porch

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for portico

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpōrt-i-ˌkō 

ˈpȯrt-

plural porticoes or porticos

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