# portico

/ˈpɔɹtəˌkoʊ/ (US) · /pˈɔːtɪkˌəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/portico
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a covered walkway or porch at the front of a building. It usually has columns and a roof to protect people from the sun or rain.

For teachers: a porch-like structure supported by columns, typically forming the entrance to a building. Often used in classical architecture to provide a shaded transition between the exterior and interior.

## Examples

- The hotel has a beautiful stone portico with tall columns.
- Visitors stood under the marble portico while the rain passed over the garden below.
- The architect designed a grand portico to serve as a visual anchor for the civic building, ensuring that the transition from the public square to the administrative offices felt both dignified and inviting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.