portfolio

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

noun

, plural port·fo·li·os.

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. Minister without portfolio
   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