portfolio

[pawrt-foh-lee-oh, pohrt-]

noun

plural

portfolios 

1. a flat, portable case for carrying loose papers, drawings, etc.

2. such a case for carrying documents of a government department.

3. the total holdings of the securities, commercial paper, etc., of a financial institution or private investor.

4. the office or post of a minister of state or member of a cabinet.

portfolio

/ pɔːtˈfəʊlɪəʊ /

noun

1. a flat case, esp of leather, used for carrying maps, drawings, etc

2. the contents of such a case, such as drawings, paintings, or photographs, that demonstrate recent work

   an art student's portfolio

3. such a case used for carrying ministerial or state papers

4. the responsibilities or role of the head of a government department

   the portfolio for foreign affairs

5. a cabinet minister who is not responsible for any government department

6. the complete investments held by an individual investor or by a financial organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of portfolio¹

1715–25; < Italian portafoglio, equivalent to porta-, stem of portare to carry (< Latin portāre ) + foglio leaf, sheet (< Latin folium; foil ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of portfolio¹

C18: from Italian portafoglio, from portāre to carry + foglio leaf, paper, from Latin folium leaf

Example Sentences

For years, phoney modelling agencies have been taking cash from young people desperate for a leg up into the industry, charging hundreds for fake portfolios and jobs that never materialise.

Read more on BBC

The fund's portfolio also includes Newcastle United and the LIV Golf franchise.

Read more on BBC

"Graduates are looking to join those big organisations that can expose them to lots of opportunities both developmental and within their portfolios," she added.

Read more on BBC

Will Wright, Interpath's UK chief executive and joint administrator, added: "Our intention is to continue to trade the remaining portfolio of stores for as long as we can, while we explore the options available."

Read more on BBC

To replace traditional tests, some experts want teachers to rely more on assigning group and individual longer-term projects and on building portfolios over time that demonstrate academic progress and in-depth knowledge.

Read more on Los Angeles Times