The meaning of PORTMANTEAU is a word or part of a word made by combining the spellings and meanings of two or more other words or word parts (such as smog from smoke and fog). How to use portmanteau in a sentence. Did you know?

Understanding the Context

In literature, a portmanteau, [a] also known in linguistics and lexicography as a blend word, lexical blend, or simply a blend, is a word formed by combining the meanings and parts of the sounds of two or more words. [2][1][3] English examples include smog, coined by blending smoke and fog, [1][4] and motel, from motor (motorist) and hotel. [5] The term "portmanteau", derived from the French ... Learn all about portmanteau words, how they're created, and their function, along with common and surprising examples of this literary device.

Key Insights

portmanteau word, a word that results from blending two or more words, or parts of words, such that the portmanteau word expresses some combination of the meaning of its parts. Examples in English include chortle (from chuckle and snort), smog (from smoke and fog), brunch (from breakfast and lunch), mockumentary (from mock and documentary), and spork (from spoon and fork). A portmanteau is a ... What do Brexit, romcoms, and Puggles have in common? Check out 100 examples of entertainment, technology, and animal portmanteaus in everyday English.

Final Thoughts

Definition, Usage and a list of Portmanteau Examples in common speech and literature. Portmanteau is a literary device in which two or more words are joined together to coin a new word. See 56 portmanteau examples, plus simple ways to use them in your writing without forcing it. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and why.