noun
portfolio
pawt-FOH-lee-oh
noun
1
A flat case for carrying documents, drawings, or photographs.
"She tucked her sketches into a leather portfolio."
2
A collection of work samples used to showcase someone's skills, especially in creative or professional fields.
"His design portfolio landed him three job interviews."
"Build a strong portfolio before you apply for internships."
3
The area of responsibility held by a government minister.
"She was given the finance portfolio in the new cabinet."
4
The full set of investments held by a person or institution.
"His investment portfolio includes stocks, bonds, and property."
"A diversified portfolio spreads out the risk."
How to Use Portfolio
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a case for documents, a showcase of work, an investment collection, or a minister's area of responsibility.
Common pairings
investment portfolio
build a portfolio
design portfolio
hold the finance portfolio
Word Forms
portfolios plural
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Etymology
From Italian portafoglio ("carry-sheet"), from Latin portare ("to carry") and folium ("leaf, sheet"). The "government responsibility" sense developed later, by the 1930s.