a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
"The hotel porter helped us load our heavy suitcases into the taxi."
someone who guards an entrance
"The porter stood at the main gate to guard the entrance of the estate."
United States writer of novels and short stories (1890-1980)
"The literary critic noted that Porter's complex characters and sharp dialogue made her a standout figure in 20th-century American fiction."
United States composer and lyricist of musical comedies (1891-1946)
"The porter was a celebrated United States composer and lyricist of musical comedies who lived from 1891 to 1946."
United States writer of short stories whose pen name was O. Henry (1862-1910)
"When visiting New Orleans, fans often seek out a statue honoring the famous American writer O. Henry."
a railroad employee who assists passengers (especially on sleeping cars)
"The porter wheeled my luggage into the sleeper car and showed me to my berth."
a very dark sweet ale brewed from roasted unmalted barley
"The porter tasted smoky and rich, made from roasted unmalted barley."
A person who carries luggage and related objects.
"The porter stood guard at the main door, checking each visitor's ID before allowing them inside."
A person in control of the entrance to a building.
In plain English: A porter is someone whose job is to carry heavy bags and luggage for other people, especially at airports or train stations.
"The hotel porter helped us carry our heavy suitcases to the room."
Usage: Use this word primarily for someone employed at hotels or train stations whose job is carrying passengers' bags, rather than general delivery workers. Do not confuse it with "bellhop," which typically refers specifically to hotel staff who assist guests but may not always transport luggage themselves.
To serve as a porter; to carry.
"The strong hikers volunteered to act as porters and carried all their heavy gear up the steep mountain trail."
In plain English: To porter something means to carry it for someone else, usually up stairs or over rough ground.
"The porter carried all our heavy bags to the hotel room."
A surname.
"The new porter on our street is very friendly and always waves when he sees neighbors passing by."
The word porter comes from the Middle English term for a person who carries things, which was borrowed through Old French and Late Latin roots meaning "one who bears or transports." Although it can be broken down into parts suggesting "port" plus "-er," its history traces back to ancient descriptions of those hired to carry loads.