# portmanteau

/ˈpɔɹtmɑnˌtoʊ/ (US) · /pˈɔːtmɑːntˌəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/portmanteau
Updated: 2026-04-26

## Definition

a word made by combining parts of two or more words, like 'brunch' from 'breakfast' and 'lunch'.

For teachers: a compound word formed by blending parts of two or more words, typically retaining the initial syllables of each source word.

## Examples

- Brunch is a portmanteau of 'breakfast' and 'lunch'.
- The company created a new product name that's a portmanteau of 'smartphone' and 'watch'.
- Oxford English Dictionary notes that 'portmanteau' itself is a portmanteau of French 'porte-manteau' (meaning 'clothes carrier') and 'manteau' (coat).

## Usage notes

- Typically preceded by articles ('a portmanteau') and often modified by adjectives describing the blend ('creative portmanteaus').

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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.