portico
Portico (noun) means a roofed structure supported by columns, forming a porch at the entrance of a building. Example: “The museum's grand portico is held up by eight marble columns.”
How to use portico
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA covered entrance with columns holding up the roof.
An architectural term, standard in descriptions of classical and neoclassical buildings.
A portico is attached to an entrance; a colonnade is a row of columns that may run along a whole facade or stand on its own.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum's grand _____ is held up by eight marble columns.
Etymology
From Italian portico, from Latin porticus, "covered walk, porch", related to porta, "gate, door".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for portico
See all rhymes for portico →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a portico and a porch?
A porch is any covered area at a door, in any style. A portico is specifically a porch whose roof is carried on columns, in the classical manner. Every portico is a porch, but most porches are not porticos.
What is the difference between a portico and a colonnade?
A portico is a columned entrance porch with a roof and usually a pediment above it. A colonnade is simply a long row of columns supporting a roof or arches, often running along the side of a building or around a courtyard.
What is the plural of portico?
Both porticoes and porticos are accepted. Porticoes is the more traditional form and is the one most often seen in architectural writing.
What is the meaning of portico?
"portico" (noun) means a roofed structure supported by columns, forming a porch at the entrance of a building.