portfolio

[ pawrt-foh-lee-oh, pohrt- ]

noun

, plural port·fo·li·os.

1. a flat, portable case for carrying loose papers, drawings, etc.
2. such a case for carrying documents of a government department.
3. the total holdings of the securities, commercial paper, etc., of a financial institution or private investor.
4. the office or post of a minister of state or member of a cabinet.

portfolio

/ pɔːtˈfəʊlɪəʊ /

noun

1. a flat case, esp of leather, used for carrying maps, drawings, etc
2. the contents of such a case, such as drawings, paintings, or photographs, that demonstrate recent work

   an art student's portfolio

3. such a case used for carrying ministerial or state papers
4. the responsibilities or role of the head of a government department

   the portfolio for foreign affairs

5. Minister without portfolio
   a cabinet minister who is not responsible for any government department
6. the complete investments held by an individual investor or by a financial organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of portfolio¹

1715–25; < Italian portafoglio, equivalent to porta-, stem of portare to carry (< Latin portāre ) + foglio leaf, sheet (< Latin folium; foil ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of portfolio¹

C18: from Italian portafoglio, from portāre to carry + foglio leaf, paper, from Latin folium leaf

Example Sentences

Gray, whose portfolio includes sport, has been under fire after it emerged he had been chauffeured to six football matches at Hampden since becoming a minister, four of which included the team he supports.

From BBC

Grenke said it would be conducting a "full internal review" across its telecoms portfolio.

From BBC

Neither Hegseth nor Gabbard, on the other hand, have little experience in their respective portfolios; Gabbard in particular has provoked consternation over her promotion of Kremlin talking points and conspiracy theories.

From Salon

And he is preoccupied with partisan matters that have little to do with the overwhelming bulk of the department’s vast nationwide law enforcement portfolio.

From Los Angeles Times

The “White Lotus” actor in recent years has diversified her portfolio to showcase her acting chops and flexed her muscles as a producer with films “Immaculate” and “Anyone but You.”

From Los Angeles Times