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. Compare port ⁴( def 1 ).
2. an opening in a wall, door, etc., as one through which to shoot.

porthole

/ ˈpɔːtˌhəʊl /

noun

1. 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 Sometimes shortened toport
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

With this fossil now out of obscurity, we’ve gained a rare paleontological porthole into the history of these unique predators.

From Popular-Science

The cockpit is a circular pod with half a dozen couches arranged around the periphery, each with a window significantly larger than the little portholes on commercial airliners.

From Time

A spur marked by signage for the park’s Windows Section—so named for the portholes that have been gouged from the rock—is worth the trip as well.

From Outside Online

He looked up through the porthole and saw, perfectly framed, the Acropolis.

From The Daily Beast

When he woke he wondered where he was; but as through the porthole he saw the sheen of the sea he remembered everything.

From Project Gutenberg

Directly their attention was attracted to the porthole again by a tapping.

From Project Gutenberg

Go to the porthole, Jimmie, and see where our friend is now.

From Project Gutenberg

She turned away impatiently and walked toward the cabin porthole.

From Project Gutenberg

The little cabin was dark except for a faint light streaming in through the open porthole.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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