portico

[ pawr-ti-koh, pohr- ]

noun

, plural por·ti·coes, por·ti·cos.

1. a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers, usually attached to a building as a porch.

portico

/ ˈpɔːtɪkəʊ /

noun

1. a covered entrance to a building; porch
2. a covered walkway in the form of a roof supported by columns or pillars, esp one built on to the exterior of a building

Word History and Origins

Origin of portico¹

1595–1605; < Italian < Latin porticus porch, portico. See port ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of portico¹

C17: via Italian from Latin porticus porch

Example Sentences

It’s a lively scene, with the father and wayward son embracing as the older brother stews, the mother looks on and a village woman dances beneath a portico.

From Washington Post

The service and reading of the names will be held under the outdoor portico at Epworth Methodist Church on Holland Glade Road in Rehoboth.

From Washington Blade

Beneath the portico, numbers of servants and retainers were lounging about, enjoying the fresco.

From Project Gutenberg

The pair disappeared among the glittering and gaily-dressed crowd that thronged the portico.

From Project Gutenberg

He stood still an instant, hidden by the porphyry columns of the portico.

From Project Gutenberg

Her hand in his, he led her down the steps of the portico, all strewn with white bells of lilies, a carpet of blooming snow.

From Project Gutenberg

There is also a library, and the Homereium, a quadrangular portico, which has a temple of Homer and a statue.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• atrium
• colonnade
• veranda