portico

[pawr-ti-koh, pohr-]

noun

plural

porticoes, porticos 

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

Paper lanterns were laid across the courtyard, as they had been at a public viewing of Armani's body in Milan earlier this month, with the models walking under the portico.

From BBC

Trump finally appeared on the portico of the Blue Room after 7 p.m. on Wednesday to welcome new interns to what the White House described as a “soiree” on the South Lawn.

From Salon

I ran from the White House briefing room, past the portico entrance of the West Wing to our camera position on the lawn, and flung on an ear piece connecting me to the studio.

From BBC

The administration invited dozens of influencers to the White House for this year’s State of the Union address, where they recorded selfies from the portico as the president’s motorcade came and went from the Capitol.

From Los Angeles Times

The building has the air of a train station, fronted by a white portico with graceful arches.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• atrium 
• colonnade 
• veranda