noun

portico

/ˈpɔːrtɪkoʊ/ · say it: POR·ti·ko

a columned porch at a building's entrance

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) a covered entrance to a building, usually with a roof supported by columns or pillars

2. (noun) a porch or roofed area attached to the front or side of a building

Examples

1. The grand portico of the museum is decorated with tall marble columns.
2. Visitors waited under the portico while it rained outside.

How to use portico

A portico is a formal architectural feature, typically found on substantial buildings such as classical mansions, temples, or civic buildings. It emphasizes the architectural grandeur and structural elements (columns, roof) more than the simpler term 'porch,' and is more precise and formal than 'entrance' or 'vestibule,' which may not always involve external pillars.

Common phrases

grand portico
columned portico
portico entrance
front portico
classical portico

Synonyms

porch · entrance · vestibule · colonnade · covered entry

Word family

porticoed (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse portico with veranda or patio, but a portico specifically has a roof supported by structural columns at an entrance, whereas a veranda is an open gallery and a patio is typically an unroofed outdoor space.

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