porthole

American  

[pawrt-hohl, pohrt-] / ˈpɔrtˌhoʊl, ˈpoʊrt- /

noun

1. a round, windowlike opening with a hinged, watertight glass cover in the side of a vessel for admitting air and light.

2. an opening in a wall, door, etc., as one through which to shoot.

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porthole British  

/ ˈpɔːtˌhəʊl /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: port.  a small aperture in the side of a vessel to admit light and air, usually fitted with a watertight glass or metal cover, or both

2. an opening in a wall or parapet through which a gun can be fired; embrasure

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Etymology

Origin of porthole

First recorded in 1585–95; port ⁴ + hole

Explanation

When you get the window seat on an airplane, you'll be sitting beside a porthole, which is the name for a window on an aircraft or ship. It might sound fun to go on an ocean cruise — but it'll cost extra to stay in a cabin with a porthole. Originally, porthole applied only to the round windows on ships, initially used for firing weapons, and later simply a way to let in light and air. Though port is a common nautical term, porthole has a different source: the French porte, or "door," which first referred to the windows' watertight covers.

Example Sentences

She went on to appear in such films as Death Race 3: Inferno and Blood in the Water, as well as Don't Sleep and Porthole.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2022

Porthole windows expose night views of the water.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Porthole, pōrt′hōl, n. a hole or opening in a ship's side for light and air, or for pointing a gun through.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Mother Carey understood this, for the direct line ran to Porthole, and there was a small junction station whence a branch ran to Kyvemouth, from which Kyve St. Clements was some three miles distant.

From Magnum Bonum by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

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