portmanteau

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.

“Smog” is a turn-of-the-century portmanteau word mashing together “smoke” and “fog” to describe the sooty, sulfurous air of the London of Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

With Australian billionaire James Packer, Ratner formed RatPac Entertainment—a portmanteau nodding to the Frank Sinatra era of showbiz that Ratner venerated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Swinging from keychains, the Tamagotchi -- whose name is a portmanteau of the Japanese words for "egg" and "watch" -- has become a popular fashion accessory among young people in recent years, according to Bandai.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

The word "PANICAN" could be a portmanteau of "panic" and "Americans", although an alternative theory suggests that it combines "panic" and "Republicans".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025

“Ah, yes, the portmanteau call, as you say in England.”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie