portrait

1 of 2

noun

por·​trait ˈpȯr-trət 

-ˌtrāt

1

: picture

especially : a pictorial representation of a person usually showing the face

2

: a sculptured figure : bust

3

: a graphic portrayal in words

portrait

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being a rectangular document having the vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension

switching from landscape to portrait mode

compare landscape sense 3

Synonyms

Noun

• definition
• delineation
• depiction
• description
• picture
• portraiture
• portrayal
• rendering
• sketch
• vignette

Examples of portrait in a Sentence

Noun

The queen posed for her portrait.

The book presents a portrait of life in a small town.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As an artist, she's also used them to sketch portraits. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 3 May 2024

To mark the milestone on May 2, the Prince and Princess of Wales continued a longstanding tradition and released a new portrait of their daughter. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French, from past participle of portraire

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing portrait

• self-portrait

Kids Definition

portrait

1 of 2 noun

por·​trait

ˈpōr-trət,

ˈpȯr-,

-ˌtrāt

1

: a picture of a person usually showing the face

2

: a portrayal in words

portrait

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or being a rectangular document having the vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension

printed in portrait mode

compare landscape