porter
/ˈpɔːtə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [pˈɔrtɚ] /ˈpɔːrtər/ (ame, ipa) · [pˈɔrtɚ] /ˈpȯr-tər/ (ame, mw)
porter — noun
- portersingular
- portersplural
1. a worker who carries bags and other heavy things for travelers in places such as
a worker who carries bags and other heavy things for travelers in places such as hotels, airports, and stations
A porter lifted our suitcases onto the airport bus.
typical object: porter + suitcases
Outside the hotel, two porters unloaded boxes from the taxi.
plural form: porters
The old porter carried Mrs. Chen's trunk up three stairs.
At the station, a porter found Leo's lost backpack.
- bellhop
Mainly American and usually limited to hotel service.
- baggage handler
Often used for airport or station workers moving luggage.
- carrier
Much broader; it does not specifically suggest a job in a travel setting.
用法筆記
Mostly used in travel settings such as hotels, stations, and airports. In American English, bellhop is more usual for a hotel worker, while baggage handler is more common for airport staff working with luggage.
常見錯誤
2. a worker who stays by the main door of a big shared building and helps residents
a worker who stays by the main door of a big shared building and helps residents, staff, and visitors
The school porter opened the side gate for late students.
compound noun: school porter
Visitors asked the porter which floor Dr. Lin was on.
At night, the porter checked every door in the old building.
The hospital porter gave Rosa a map at the front desk.
用法筆記
Usually attached to a school, hospital, college, hotel, or apartment building. Distinguish from sense 1: this person mainly watches the entrance and helps visitors, rather than carrying travelers' luggage.
常見錯誤
3. a worker on a sleeping train who makes up beds, handles bags, and looks after pa
a worker on a sleeping train who makes up beds, handles bags, and looks after passengers during the night
The porter turned our seats into beds after dinner.
typical duty: turn seats into beds
Before dawn, the porter brought clean towels to each cabin.
Mrs. Singh thanked the porter for waking her in time.
On the night train, the porter stored Elias's bag safely.
- attendant
General service word; it does not specifically suggest a train sleeper car.
- sleeping-car attendant
More exact term, especially in American English.
- steward
Broader travel-service word, often used on ships or planes instead.
用法筆記
Usually refers to staff on older or long-distance trains with sleeping cars. Distinguish from sense 2: this porter serves train passengers during an overnight journey, not a building entrance.
常見錯誤
4. a dark, strong beer with a rich roasted taste
a dark, strong beer with a rich roasted taste
Marcus ordered a porter with his beef pie.
ordering a drink: order a porter
The pub served a cold porter in a tall glass.
After work, Nina chose porter instead of pale beer.
This porter tastes sweet at first and dry later.
用法筆記
Used for the drink, not the worker. On menus and labels, porter usually names a beer style rather than a single brand.
常見錯誤
porter — verb
- porterpresent simple I / you / we / they
- porters3rd person singular
- portering-ing form
- porteredpast simple
1. to carry bags or supplies for someone, especially as part of a job or service
to carry bags or supplies for someone, especially as part of a job or service
Local boys portered food up the mountain trail.
verb pattern: porter + goods + place
Workers portered the boxes from the truck to the stage.
transitive use: porter + object
During the storm, villagers portered water to every tent.
At sunrise, guides portered our bags across the river.
文法句型
porter + bags / boxes / supplies
porter + object + place
用法筆記
Rare outside writing about expeditions, transport, or manual work. The object is usually luggage, boxes, food, or other supplies.