What does portion mean?
A portion is a distinct part, share, or serving of something larger. The expression “a portion of” commonly introduces an amount that belongs to, is set aside for, or forms part of a whole: for example, “a portion of the income.” In contexts involving meals, a portion is a serving of food or drink, though it may imply a measured or allotted amount rather than simply an unlimited serving. The word can also refer to a separate segment within something larger. “Portion” is related in meaning to “part” and “share,” while “proportion” is more specifically concerned with relationships between parts. The noun is standard in British and American English, with no major regional difference in ordinary use.
A part or share of something, especially an amount that is separated, allotted, or considered separately.
"A significant portion of the work was completed before the deadline."
Common in general contexts and for a serving of food or drink.
To divide something into parts or portions.
"The cake was portioned into twelve equal slices."
Relatively uncommon compared with the noun.
The regular plural is used for separate parts, shares, or servings.
"The recipe makes four generous portions."
Your lunch portion is your share of the meal; the word also means any distinct part of a larger whole.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does portion come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin portio, a noun meaning “a part” or “share.” Latin portio is associated with the broader family of words connected with division and shares, including “part” and “partition.” English began using “portion” in the late Middle English period for a part or share, and its modern food sense developed naturally from the idea of an allotted serving.
Related word forms
How portion is actually used
In modern standard English, “portion” is most often a noun. The verb “portion” is relatively uncommon and means to divide something into parts or shares.
Easily confused with portion
A portion is a part or share of a whole, whereas a proportion describes the relationship or comparative size between parts.