WordGarden.ioporthole
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɔːthəʊl/
US
Meanings
Noun
a small round window in the side of a ship or aircraft
Beyond the definition
Imagine being tucked inside a cozy cabin on a grand sailing vessel. To see the vast ocean without stepping outside, you'd peer through a porthole—a small, round window designed to let in light and offer a glimpse of the world beyond.
Originally found on ships, portholes weren't just for admiring the view. They were important for letting in daylight and fresh air while keeping the ship strong and safe. Today, you might find porthole-shaped windows in other places too, perhaps as a playful touch in a bathroom or a nautical-themed room. Think of it as a little circle offering a peek into another world.
A porthole is a circular window, traditionally found on the sides of ships. But its story goes deeper than just being a simple viewing point. Back in the Age of Sail, ship hulls weren't built with large, square windows—that would weaken the vessel's structure. A small, round opening like a porthole distributed pressure more evenly, making the hull structurally sound even during rough seas. These openings were originally covered by thick wooden disks or metal plates that could be quickly sealed shut to keep out water in an emergency.
The word "porthole" is closely linked to shipbuilding and sea travel. While it is most commonly associated with ships, the term is also used more broadly for any small, round window. You might see one in a door, in a themed room, or in a design meant to suggest life at sea.
Think about the imagery: peering through a porthole conjures up feelings of adventure, mystery, and being safely enclosed within a larger world. It's a symbol of exploration, resilience, and a unique perspective on the vastness around us. From classic pirate tales to modern interior design, the porthole continues to capture our imagination as a charming and functional feature.
Examples
- 1
Ship cabin
From her bunk, she could see a strip of blue sea through the porthole.
- 2
Cabin feature
Our cheaper cabin had only a small porthole, not a balcony.
- 3
Figurative use
The old travel diary is a small porthole into life at sea a hundred years ago.
- Patterna porthole into + subject
a small way to see or understand it
See also
Similar
- portlight
- ship's window
Shades of meaning
- cabin window
- round window
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- look through a porthole
- open a porthole
- porthole cover
Explore
- ship fittings
- watertight seal
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- portholenoun
Forms
- portholespluralnoun