Meaning & use
portmanteau
Last updated
A word formed by blending the sounds and meanings of two other words.
See it in a sentence
"Brunch" is a portmanteau of "breakfast" and "lunch."
"Smog" is a portmanteau combining "smoke" and "fog."
A note on using this word
Also historically referred to a type of leather suitcase with two hinged compartments.
Words with a similar meaning
blend word
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Another way to use it
2. noun
A large traveling case, especially one that opens into two hinged compartments.
He packed his suits neatly into an old leather portmanteau.
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