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List Of Portmanteau Words

Portmanteau words are formed by joining parts of two words to create a new one with a combined meaning. Common examples of portmanteau words include brunch (breakfast + lunch), smog (smoke + fog), and motel (motor + hotel). Such words make English creative and easy to learn. They help children improve vocabulary and make everyday communication short and interesting.
authorImageNikita Aggarwal12 Dec, 2025

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Portmanteau Words

What Are Portmanteau Words?

Portmanteau words are some typical words in English that are formed by blending two different words to create a new word that conveys the meaning of both. The new word is created by combining the first part of one word and the end of another word. 

Parts of the original words are usually omitted in the blending process. Portmanteau words are useful, engaging, and commonly used in modern English. Examples of portmanteau words are:

  • Brunch (breakfast + lunch)—A meal between breakfast and lunch

  • Smog (smoke + fog)—An intense fog due to smoke and pollution

These combined words help us express some specific meaning for which any single existing word is not appropriate. The use of portmanteau words makes English communication crisp, creative, and interesting.

Also read: List of Dictation Words

Portmanteau Meaning

The word "portmanteau" was originally introduced by the author Lewis Carroll in his famous book Through the Looking-Glass to describe blended words like "slithy" (slimy + lithe). 

In modern English, "portmanteau" meaning indicates words that are created with the combination of the beginning of a word and the ending of another word and keep the meaning of each.

Importance of Portmanteau Words in a Sentence

Portmanteau words make English communication more expressive, catchy, and unique. They allow us to express new ideas or incidents vividly, especially when new concepts are evolving. Portmanteau words serve many useful purposes as follows:

  • It helps shorten long phrases.

  • It helps to describe new inventions.

  • It can be rightly used to capture modern culture.

  • It makes communication clearer and faster.

  • It helps to make branding catchy and innovative.

Also read: Easy Tips to Improve English Vocabulary

List of 50 Portmanteau Words in English

Portmanteau words in sentences have become quite common in everyday communication. Brands, filmmakers, musicians, and social media creators use them frequently to create an impact on the customers and audiences. 

Here is a list of portmanteau words that helps your child expand their vocabulary and make the language more enriching and exciting.

List of 50 Portmanteau Words in English

Sr. No.

Portmanteau Words

Source words

Meaning

1

Motel

motor + hotel

A roadside hotel meant for motorists

2

Infotainment

information + entertainment

Information that includes entertaining features

3

Webinar

web + seminar

Seminar conducted on online platform

4

Bollywood

Bombay + Hollywood

The Bombay film industry

5

Chillax

chill + relax

To calm down and relax

6

Workaholic

work + alcoholic

A person who keeps working the whole time

7

Anklet

anklet + bracelet

A bracelet-like ornament worn around the ankle

8

Glamping

glamour + camping

Camping that includes luxurious comforts

9

Staycation

stay + vacation

Staying at a place while spending a vacation

10

Netizen

Net + citizen

Frequent users of internet

11

Emoticon

emotion + icon

Emotions expressed through icons

12

Brangelina

Brad + Angelina

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

13

Pixel

picture + element

Tiniest part of a digital image

14

Hangry

hungry + angry

Angry as a result of hunger

15

Medicare

medical + care

Providing care using medicinal facilities

16

Prequel 

previous + sequel

sequel to a film that occurs earlier in the timeline 

17

Autotune

automatic + tune

Automatic adjustment of tunes

18

Romcom

romantic + comedy

Refers to a romantic comedy

19

Vlog

video + log

A video record of media, travel, entertainment

20

Malware

malicious + software

Software that might affect digital operations

21

Netiquette

internet + etiquette

Disciplines followed by internet users

22

Fantabulous

fantastic + fabulous

Extremely amazing

23

Email

electronic + mail

Electronic alternative to paper mail

24

Mocktail

mock + cocktail

A non-alcoholic drink with soft drinks and fruit juices

25

E-commerce

electronic + commerce

Commercial activities using electronic or online medium

26

Alphanumeric 

alphabetic + numeric

combination of letters and numbers

27

Biopic

biography + picture

A biographical movie

28

Intercom 

internal + communication 

A two-way speaker system at a location

29

Listicle 

list + article

An article formatted as a list

30

Podcast 

iPod + broadcast

A digital audio program that can be downloaded

31

Spork

spoon + fork

An eating utensil that serves as both a spoon and a fork

32

Edutainment

education + entertainment

Entertainment meant to educate its viewers

33

Transponder

transmission + responder

A device that receives signals and sends responses 

34

Paralympics

parallel + Olympics

International event for athletes with disabilities

35

Screenshot

screen + snapshot

A snapshot of mobile or computer display

36

Telemarketing

telephone + marketing

A marketing procedure through telephones

36

Telemedicine

Telephone + medicine

Medical consultation through telephones

37

Motorcycle

motorised + bicycle

A motorbike

38

frenemy 

friend + enemy

Who pretends to be a friend despite a rivalry

39

Guesstimate 

guess + estimate

An estimate based on guess

40

Fortnight 

fourteen + night

Fourteen nights or two weeks

41

metaverse 

meta + universe 

a virtual environment for social connection

42

newscast 

news + broadcast

a radio or television segment featuring news

43

Modem

modulator + demodulator

A device for modulation and demodulation

44

Shopaholic

shopping + alcoholic

One who is engrossed in shopping

45

cosplay 

costume + roleplay

Where people dress as fictional characters

46

advertorial 

advertisement + editorial

an advertisement formatted as a written editorial

47

Botox

botulism + toxin

A drug that uses botulism to treat aging of the skin

48

hazmat 

hazardous + material

substances that are dangerous to handle

49

jeggings 

jeans + leggings

leggings designed to resemble denim jeans

50

Telematics

telecommunication + informatics

The technology used to receive and transmit information

Also read: List of Homophones Words With Examples

Portmanteau Word Examples

Understanding portmanteau words becomes easier for students when they learn how to use them in sentences in different contexts. Here are some examples of portmanteau words used in sentences to make the communication more effective:

  • We decided to go glamping to enjoy comfort while being close to nature.

  • The city was covered in smog after days of pollution.

  • Many people nowadays prefer a staycation instead of travelling.

  • She uploaded a new vlog about her trip to Dubai.

  • We organized a webinar where experts discussed malware.

  • Amazon has emerged as a leading e-commerce platform.

  • Romcoms provide a lot of entertainment to audiences.

  • Solo travelers often prefer to stay at motels.

  • Sangeeta’s podcast show has become very popular.

  • There was a huge response from netizens on the actor’s post on social media.

Portmanteau words add fun, creativity, and innovation to the English language. Knowing how to use portmanteau words suitably in a sentence can enrich the language skills of students. From everyday communication to creative writing, these blended words make English dynamic and expressive.

Also read: List of Thre˚e Letter Words in English

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The program offers interactive lessons and engaging exercises for different age groups i.e. Starters (6–8), Movers (8–10), Key (10–12), and Preliminary (12–14).

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Portmanteau Words Frequently Asked Questions

How are portmanteau words formed?

Portmanteau words are formed by taking a group of letters from two different words and combining them to express a common idea or situation.

Where are portmanteau words commonly used?

Portmanteau words are used in sentences that often appear in content related to science, technology, entertainment, business, pop culture, advertisement, etc.

How are portmanteau words different from compound words?

Portmanteau words in a sentence blend the sound and meaning of two different words, whereas compound words combine two words in full form. For example, ‘smog’ (smoke + fog) is a portmanteau word, and ‘toothbrush’ (tooth + brush) is a compound word.

What is the original meaning of portmanteau?

The meaning of "portmanteau" has French origins, which means a suitcase with two compartments.
Curious Jr By PW

Curious Jr By PW

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