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

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

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Still, I caught sight of the light from row after row of portholes rippling yellow across black water before the marble went dark.

Read more on Literature

Tellingly, Johnson placed the Brick House’s only windows — three big mahogany-framed portholes — on the building’s back side, facing away from his glass retreat.

Read more on New York Times

The base of the boat was painted a rich navy blue and there were little portholes and even a tiny anchor.

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