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Definition of porthole

porthole

/ˈpɔːrt.hoʊl/
port · hole
Plural:portholes
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porthole Lexical Profile

porthole Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, typically circular window on the side of a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft used for admitting light and air.

Example

"The passengers watched the dolphins leaping through the waves from their cabin porthole."

2

An opening or embrasure in the side of a warship, armored vehicle, or fortification through which weapons can be fired.

Example

"In sixteenth-century naval architecture, hinged covers were fitted over each lower-deck porthole to keep seawater out during rough weather."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for porthole

• Nearby Words

porter
porterhouse
portfolio
porthole
portico
portion
portland

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 16th century from 'port' (from Latin porta, meaning 'gate' or 'door') and 'hole', originally referring to an opening in a ship's side through which cannons were pointed.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Porthole. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/porthole
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