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Glite Dictionary
portlight

portlight

7.5
A small round window in the side of a ship or boat
  • noun
  • /ˈpɔrtˌlaɪt/
  • US
translation icon : porthole
  • They installed a new portlight in the side of the boat to let in more light.
  • hatches and portlights
  • two portlights

Examples

  • She gazed through the portlight at the endless expanse of ocean outside.

  • A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the cabin through the portlight.

  • Salt spray collected on the portlight, making it hard to see the horizon.

  • The ship's portlight was broken during the storm.

  • Can you see through the portlight?

  • The sailor peered through the portlight to enjoy the ocean view.

  • The portlight in the cabin was designed to withstand strong winds and rain.

Synonyms

porthole
vsportlight
8 5.1

A small round window in the side of a ship or plane

is the same window type but used only on boats and ships

How Large

bay window
8 3.1
portlight
  • US
7.5
peephole
19 2.9

Surface Forms

portlight singular
portlights plural

Morphology

portlight = port + light (semi-transparent) = port + light

Both components are form-transparent, but 'port' here has a specialized nautical sense (opening/side) that may not be obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Portlight comes from two simple parts: port, meaning 'the side of a ship' or 'harbour', and light, meaning 'light' or a 'window that lets light in'. So a portlight is simply a small window in the side of a ship that lets light into the cabin.