portly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
But instead of portly people enjoying futuristic entertainment, we will all be skinnier thanks to today’s GLP-1 medications.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026
For a long time, Kundan Lal Gujral - whom the newspaper described as "a portly, florid" man with a "splendid moustache" - was credited for the booming success.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2024
As I grew up, a frequent refrain from friends and family members—in particular my zaftig aunts and portly uncles—was to opine about how they wished they were slim like me.
From Slate ● Oct. 4, 2023
The portly left-hander from Sonora will join Jim Gilliam as the only people to have their numbers retired without induction into the Hall of Fame.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2023
Being so still, so portly in his iron sheath, and having the great blind helm over his head so that he had no proper face, he had a look of danger about him.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
![]()
Mr. Gong’s Abby, older and portlier, is a terrier-beagle.
From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2023
"Most excitingly, our treasured, mischievous Peter Rabbit makes an appearance – albeit older, slower and portlier."
From Reuters ● Jan. 26, 2016
As the luckless Vinnie, Mr. Van Swearingen, considerably shorter and portlier than Mr. Shannon, sports the saddest-looking combover I’ve ever seen — it’s really a half-combover.
From New York Times ● Aug. 9, 2013
“She’s talking to my twin,” he said, apparently not offended that Mr. Asner is portlier than the real thing.
From New York Times ● May 19, 2011
His companion was older and portlier, with narrow eyes and full-blooded cheeks.
From The Gray Mask by Wadsworth Camp
Of course they must!—the case was as plain as the portliest of noses on the most rubicund of faces.
From Homes of American Statesmen With Anecdotical, Personal, and Descriptive Sketches by Various
“Very pretty!” murmured the ladies, and the portliest of them went a step further and added: “And cheap!” but no one showed the faintest disposition to buy.
From The Love Affairs of Pixie by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
"Nay, fair one, you pass not our bounds without toll," said the portliest of the set.
From The Prince and the Page; a story of the last crusade by Charlotte Mary Yonge
He grew to be very thin before he died, thinner than Benjamin Dobbs, who is now portliest among the portly.
From Hans Brinker; or, the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge
Faix, my modher, no longer ago than Friday night last, argued down Bartle Meegan's throath, that you and Biddy Martin wor the two portliest weemen that comes into the chapel.
From Phil Purcel, The Pig-Driver; The Geography Of An Irish Oath; The Lianhan Shee Traits And Stories Of The Irish Peasantry, The Works of William Carleton, Volume Three by William Carleton
Vocabulary lists containing portly
"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
A Christmas Carol
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!