n.
- an artistic representation of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders.
- a description in language or on film or television.
-
[as modifier]
denoting a format of printed matter which is higher than it is wide. Compare with landscape.
Derivative
- portraitist n.
- portraiture n.
Etymology
C16: from Fr., past part. of OFr. portraire ‘portray’.