portfolio Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a large, flat, thin case for carrying loose papers or drawings or maps; usually leather
    • he remembered her because she was carrying a large portfolio
  2. noun a set of pieces of creative work collected to be shown to potential customers or employers
    • the artist had put together a portfolio of his work
    • every actor has a portfolio of photographs
  3. noun a list of the financial assets held by an individual or a bank or other financial institution
    • they were disappointed by the poor returns on their stock portfolio
  4. noun the role of the head of a government department
    • he holds the portfolio for foreign affairs

WordNet

Port*fol"io noun
Etymology
F. portefeuille; porter to carry + feuille a leaf. See Port to carry, and Folio.
Definitions
  1. A portable case for holding loose papers, prints, drawings, etc.
  2. Hence: The office and functions of a minister of state or member of the cabinet; as, to receive the portfolio of war; to resign the portfolio.

Webster 1913