portiere

or por·tière

[ pawr-tyair, -teer, pohr-, pawr-tee-air, pohr- ]

noun

1. a curtain hung in a doorway, either to replace the door or for decoration.

portière

/ ˌpɔːtɪˈɛə; pɔrtjɛr /

noun

1. a curtain hung in a doorway

Derived Forms

• ˌportiˈèred, adjective

Other Words From

• por·tiered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of portiere¹

1835–45; < French portière < Medieval Latin portāria, noun use of feminine of Late Latin portārius; porter ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of portiere¹

C19: via French from Medieval Latin portāria, from Latin porta door

Example Sentences

Then the door opened, the portiere was swept aside, and Anselme announced "Monsieur de Garnache."

From Project Gutenberg

She did the washing and ironing herself, the portiere assisting her in the rest of the household work.

From Project Gutenberg

He glanced about the room, and I had the impression that the chimney, masked with a velvet portiere, did not please him.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked again, and then drew back behind a nearby portiere, her heart beating wildly.

From Project Gutenberg

"A telegram, Miss Gertrude," said James, drawing aside the portiere.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decoration
• drape
• drapery
• screen
• shade
• shroud
• shutter
• veil