First Known Use: 1579
Dictionary
1portmanteau
noun port·man·teau \pȯrt-ˈman-(ˌ)tō\
: a large suitcase that opens into two parts
plural port·man·teaus or port·man·teaux\-(ˌ)tōz\
Full Definition of PORTMANTEAU
1
: a large suitcase
2
: a word or morpheme whose form and meaning are derived from a blending of two or more distinct forms (as smog from smoke and fog)
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Origin of PORTMANTEAU
Middle French portemanteau, from porter to carry + manteau mantle, from Latin mantellum — more at port
Related to PORTMANTEAU
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
2portmanteau
adjective
Definition of PORTMANTEAU
1
: combining more than one use or quality
2
: being a portmanteau <a portmanteau word>
First Known Use of PORTMANTEAU
1909
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
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