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 old porticos were opened up and made into glass doors during recent renovation renovations. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026

The project has been covered up by large tarps that have columns and a lamp printed on the side to mimic the existing portico. — Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Its flat, walkable, and bikeable center is located within the circuit of the original medieval walls, and residents are protected from the elements by miles of decorative porticoes. — Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

The scaffolding around the portico first went up in late June. — Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 9 July 2026

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