portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō How to pronounce portico (audio)
plural porticoes or porticos
: a colonnade or covered ambulatory especially in classical architecture and often at the entrance of a building

Illustration of portico

Illustration of portico

Examples of portico in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its flat, walkable, and bikeable center is located inside medieval walls, and residents are protected from the elements by miles of decorative porticoes. Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025 The wing traditionally served as the office of the First Lady, and previously housed a portico as well as a colonnade that led to the Executive Residence. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025 Hoban supervised construction of the porticoes on the north and south sides of the building that Latrobe originally designed in 1807. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 The portico would replace the previous entrance to the East Wing that millions of Americans have walked through for public tours of the White House. Marco Hernandez, New York Times, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for portico

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin porticus — more at porch

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of portico was in 1607

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Cite this Entry

“Portico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portico. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

portico

noun
por·​ti·​co ˈpōrt-i-ˌkō How to pronounce portico (audio)
ˈpȯrt-
plural porticoes or porticos
: a row of columns supporting a roof at the entrance of a building

More from Merriam-Webster on portico

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