Portugal

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈpɔːt͡ʃəɡəl/, /ˈpɔːtjəɡəl/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈpɔɹt͡ʃəɡəl/

Alternative forms

• Portugall (obsolete)

Origin

From Late Latin Portugal, from Latin Portus Cale, former name of what is now the city of Oporto, from portus + Callus, which is disputed:

• From the name of the Gallaeci, a Celtic tribe of Iberia.
• From the Latin word for warm; see caleo.
• From Ancient Greek Καλλις ("beautiful"), referring to the Douro valley.

Full definition of Portugal

Proper noun

1. A country in Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. Member state of the European Union. Official name: Portuguese Republic (República Portuguesa).

Derived terms

• Portuguese

Noun

1. (now rare) A Portuguese person.
• 1603, John Florio, trans. Michel de Montaigne, Essays, I.40:Some became Christians, from whose faith and race, even at this day (for it is an hundred yeares since) few Portugalls assure themselves; although custome and length of time be much more forcible counsellors unto such mutations than any other compulsion.