noun

Portman

Portman (noun) means Historically, a burgess or official of a port town, especially one of England's Cinque Ports. Example: “The portman oversaw trade disputes in the harbor town.”

noun

Historically, a burgess or official of a port town, especially one of England's Cinque Ports.

"The portman oversaw trade disputes in the harbor town."

A surname, originally describing someone's occupation.

"The actress Natalie Portman shares the name's root, though spelled differently."

How to use Portman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old term for a port official, now mainly seen as a surname.

Word forms

portmen plural

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Fill the gap

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The _____ oversaw trade disputes in the harbor town.

Etymology

From "port" plus "man" — originally an occupational name for an official of a port town.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Portman” mean?

The word “Portman” means historically, a burgess or official of a port town, especially one of England's Cinque Ports. In plain terms, an old term for a port official, now mainly seen as a surname.

How do you use “Portman” in a sentence?

Here is “Portman” used in a sentence: “The portman oversaw trade disputes in the harbor town.”

What part of speech is “Portman”?

“Portman” is a noun.

How many meanings does “Portman” have?

“Portman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: historically, a burgess or official of a port town, especially one of England's Cinque Ports.