a large, flat, thin case for carrying loose papers or drawings or maps; usually leather
"he remembered her because she was carrying a large portfolio"
a set of pieces of creative work collected to be shown to potential customers or employers
"the artist had put together a portfolio of his work"
"every actor has a portfolio of photographs"
a list of the financial assets held by an individual or a bank or other financial institution
"they were disappointed by the poor returns on their stock portfolio"
the role of the head of a government department
"he holds the portfolio for foreign affairs"
A case for carrying papers, drawings, photographs, maps and other flat documents.
"She carefully tucked her architectural sketches into a sturdy leather portfolio before heading to the design review meeting."
In plain English: A portfolio is a collection of work samples that shows what you have done and can do.
"She created a colorful portfolio to show her best artwork to potential clients."
Usage: In modern usage, portfolio most commonly refers to a collection of professional work samples used to demonstrate skills or achievements, rather than the physical case mentioned in older definitions. You should use it when discussing a compilation of designs, financial investments, or academic projects intended for review by employers or clients.
The word portfolio comes from the Italian portafoglio, which literally means a folder or wallet used to carry sheets of paper. By the 1930s, this physical container was extended metaphorically to describe a collection of professional responsibilities or investments.