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

Example Sentences

He’s even built a concrete fire shelter against a hillside with two steel escape doors and porthole windows.

From Los Angeles Times

“What a beautiful view,” Shepherd told the command center as he looked out the tiny porthole of his capsule, flying high enough to see the Earth’s curve.

From Literature

It also had two watertight hatches for entering and leaving the vessel, one at the front and another at the rear, and two short conning towers equipped with small portholes.

From Literature

The cramped cabin had three small portholes, radio equipment, and instrument panels.

From Literature

Inside, the shelves are packed with thousands of items: from an upturned bathtub and dented porthole, to intricately etched glassware and tiny buttons.

From BBC

Related Words

• channel