porthole

[pawrt-hohl, pohrt-]

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.

porthole

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of porthole¹

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.

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“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.

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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.

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

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An officer inside emerged from a porthole at the top of the vehicle and trained a rifle on the passengers inside the big rig.

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