First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1porter
noun por·ter \ˈpȯr-tər\
Definition of PORTER
chiefly British : a person stationed at a door or gate to admit or assist those entering
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Origin of PORTER
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin portarius, from Latin porta gate — more at port
2porter
noun
Definition of PORTER
1
: a person who carries burdens; especially : one employed to carry baggage for patrons at a hotel or transportation terminal
2
: a parlor-car or sleeping-car attendant who waits on passengers and makes up berths
3
[short for porter's beer] : a heavy dark brown beer brewed from browned or charred malt
4
: a person who does routine cleaning (as in a hospital or office)
Origin of PORTER
Middle English portour, from Anglo-French porteour, from Late Latin portator, from Latin portare to carry — more at fare
First Known Use: 14th century
3porter
verb
Definition of PORTER
transitive verb
: to transport or carry as or as if by a porter
intransitive verb
: to act as a porter
First Known Use of PORTER
1609
Porter
biographical name Por·ter \ˈpȯr-tər\
Definition of PORTER
Cole Albert 1891–1964 Am. songwriter
Porter
biographical name
Definition of PORTER
David 1780–1843 & his son David Dixon 1813–1891 Am. naval officers
Porter
biographical name
Definition of PORTER
Gene 1868–1924 née Stratton Am. nov.
Porter
biographical name
Definition of PORTER
Katherine Anne 1890–1980 Am. writer
Porter
biographical name
Definition of PORTER
Noah 1811–1892 Am. philos. & lexicographer
Porter
biographical name
Definition of PORTER
William Sydney 1862–1910 pseud. O. Hen*ry \(ˈ)ō-ˈhen-rē\ Am. short-story writer
PORTER Defined for Kids
porter
noun por·ter \ˈpȯr-tər\
Definition of PORTER for Kids
1
: a person whose job is to carry baggage (as at a hotel)
2
: a person whose job is helping passengers on a train
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