porthole

noun

port·​hole ˈpȯrt-ˌhōl How to pronounce porthole (audio)
1
: an opening (such as a window) with a cover or closure especially in the side of a ship or aircraft
2
: a port through which to shoot
3

Examples of porthole 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 sister ships were purpose-built to sail the North American coast and feature 50 rooms each, all with windows or portholes, private bathrooms, climate controls, and a TV, plus Wi-Fi connection. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 18 Feb. 2025 All around her, her fellow passengers are screaming and praying as water sprays in around the portholes and people are thrown from their bunks. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 2 Mar. 2025 At that moment, a bright white beam of sunlight came in through the porthole and struck Audrey’s left eye. Sheila Heti, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025 Some nights were a caviar tasting in the main lounge and drinks in the Blue Eye lounge, a bar situated a few meters below sea level with portholes to watch marine life pass by. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for porthole

Word History

Etymology

port entry 2

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of porthole was in 1569

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Porthole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porthole. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

porthole

noun
port·​hole ˈpōrt-ˌhōl How to pronounce porthole (audio)
ˈpȯrt-
1
: an opening in the side of a ship or aircraft
2
: an opening to shoot through

More from Merriam-Webster on porthole

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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