portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō How to pronounce portico (audio)
plural porticoes or porticos
Synonyms of porticonext
: 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.
The exhibition is housed in the porticoes of the Palestra Grande, located opposite the Amphitheatre. ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026 Later that night, at the rehearsal dinner, Ann goes rogue during her toast to make these same points to a portico filled with Kennedys. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026 Bologna’s intricate porticos are an integral part of the city’s architectural heritage and identity. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026 Entering under the stately portico off Markham Street, the lobby of Little Rock’s Capital Hotel is glowing. Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portico. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster