Porters: meaning, definitions and examples

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porters

[ˈpɔː.tərz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job

A person employed to carry luggage and other loads, especially in a railway station, airport, or hotel.

Synonyms

baggage handler, bellhop, carrier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
porters	Similar to the first entry, 'porters' is used in settings where assistance with carrying items or luggage is needed, such as hotels and stations. We gave a generous tip to the porters for their hard work. Porters are usually available to assist at any large event.
baggage handler	Typically found in airports, responsible for loading, unloading, and handling passengers' luggage. The baggage handler carefully loaded our suitcases onto the conveyor belt. Airport baggage handlers work tirelessly to manage the flow of luggage.
bellhop	Specifically refers to a hotel employee who carries guests' luggage to their rooms. Often associated with higher-end or busy hotels. The bellhop helped us take our luggage up to our room. At the five-star hotel, a bellhop quickly came to assist us.
carrier	A more general term that can refer to anyone or anything that carries items from one place to another. Not specific to luggage. The mail carrier delivers packages to our door every day. They hired a carrier to transport the goods across the city.

Examples of usage

He worked as a porter at the train station.
The porters at the hotel were very helpful.
She tipped the porter who carried her bags.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

beer

A strong, dark beer brewed in London from brown malt.

Synonyms

ale, dark beer, stout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
porters	Typically used to refer to a type of dark beer that has a rich, malty flavor and a slightly roasted taste. Often enjoyed during the colder months. I prefer porters during winter because of their deep flavor. That brewery has an excellent range of porters.
stout	Describes a very dark, thick beer that is typically heavy and hearty with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. Often enjoyed as a dessert beer or in colder climates. I love having a stout with my dessert. This brewery's stout has a wonderful chocolatey aftertaste.
dark beer	A general term for beers that have a dark color and often a rich, robust flavor. This can include styles like porters and stouts. Suitable for when you want a beer with complex flavors. I ordered a dark beer because I wanted something with a stronger flavor. She prefers dark beer over light beer.
ale	Refers to a broad category of beer that is brewed using warm fermentation, resulting in a sweet and fruity taste. Ideal for casual social gatherings and warmer weather. Let's grab some ale at the pub tonight. Pale ale is one of my favorite types of beer.

Examples of usage

They served traditional porters at the pub.
He ordered a pint of porter.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

gateway

A person who has the job of opening and closing the gates of a railway crossing or bridge.

Synonyms

crossing attendant, gatekeeper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gatekeeper	A gatekeeper controls who gets access to certain places or information, often at the entrance of a property or facility. The gatekeeper checked our identification before letting us into the estate. As the new gatekeeper, she was responsible for monitoring who came in and out of the complex.
crossing attendant	A crossing attendant helps people, especially children, cross busy roads safely, usually near schools. The crossing attendant ensured all the kids crossed the road safely. Every morning, the crossing attendant stands at the zebra crossing to help the students.

Word

Description / Examples

gatekeeper

A gatekeeper controls who gets access to certain places or information, often at the entrance of a property or facility.

The gatekeeper checked our identification before letting us into the estate.
As the new gatekeeper, she was responsible for monitoring who came in and out of the complex.

crossing attendant

A crossing attendant helps people, especially children, cross busy roads safely, usually near schools.

The crossing attendant ensured all the kids crossed the road safely.
Every morning, the crossing attendant stands at the zebra crossing to help the students.

Examples of usage

The porter waved a flag as the train passed by.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'porter' comes from the Latin word 'portare,' meaning 'to carry,' which reflects their primary job.
Porters have been essential in travel history, especially during the rise of trains and steamships in the 19th century.
In ancient times, porters were crucial in places like markets or cities, where they transported goods for merchants.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, porters are respected figures due to their hard work and the services they provide to travelers.
In the film industry, porters often play roles showcasing the bustling life at travel hubs, bringing stories of adventure and change.
Many traditional festivals around the world feature parades where porters display their skills in carrying unusual items.

Modern Context

With the rise of technology, some porters now use carts and other equipment to make their jobs easier and more efficient.
In hospitality, porters are often the first point of contact for guests at hotels, shaping their initial impressions in the travel experience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some porters adapted by providing contactless services, focusing on safety alongside their assistance.

Literature

In classic literature, porters are often depicted as guides, providing wisdom and insight to main characters in their journeys.
Some famous novels set in hotels feature porters as pivotal characters, helping navigate the various stories unfolding within their walls.
The role of porters has been explored in contemporary fiction, showcasing their experiences and challenges in modern society.

Translations

Translations of the word "porters" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carregadores

🇮🇳 कुली

🇩🇪 Träger

🇮🇩 porter

🇺🇦 носії

🇵🇱 tragarze

🇯🇵 ポーター

🇫🇷 porteurs

🇪🇸 porteadores

🇹🇷 hamallar

🇰🇷 짐꾼

🇸🇦 حمّالون

🇨🇿 nosiči

🇸🇰 nosiči

🇨🇳 搬运工

🇸🇮 nosači

🇮🇸 burðarmenn

🇰🇿 тасушылар

🇬🇪 მატარებლები

🇦🇿 daşıyıcılar

🇲🇽 cargadores

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,256, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16253 outcry
16254 autograph
16255 primate
16256 porters
16257 refutation
16258 hash
16259 hoard
...