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.
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 The one on the south portico has been removed in the latest plan. New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Photographs of Hardy and Darc under the portico and inside the main entrance hall are still admired today. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025 Guests will enter through a cantilevered teakwood portico framed by a vertical garden of wisteria and climbing roses. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portico. Accessed 28 Feb. 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

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