Illustration of portico
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
Examples of portico in a Sentence
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The dilapidated wooden trim and sagging porticos were spruced up a few years ago after preservationists complained to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, but the upstairs windows reveal glimpses of peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and collapsing ceilings inside.
—
Kim Velsey, Curbed, 20 Oct. 2025
The city, which is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is rich in porticoes—elegant arcaded structures that line the streets and allow the panting pedestrian, at any point, to flee the sunlight’s blaze and seek shade.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Past a circular motor court, a host of elegant design features present themselves, from its stone and limestone facade, where a towering arched doorway tucked into a portico embellished with Corinthian columns makes for a grand entrance to the home, to its mansard roof.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
Its columned portico and ornate moldings anchor it to Edwardian London.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
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Kim Velsey, Curbed, 20 Oct. 2025
The city, which is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is rich in porticoes—elegant arcaded structures that line the streets and allow the panting pedestrian, at any point, to flee the sunlight’s blaze and seek shade.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Past a circular motor court, a host of elegant design features present themselves, from its stone and limestone facade, where a towering arched doorway tucked into a portico embellished with Corinthian columns makes for a grand entrance to the home, to its mansard roof.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
Its columned portico and ornate moldings anchor it to Edwardian London.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for portico
Cite this Entry
“Portico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portico. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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