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Portage was borrowed from French back in the 15th century to mean "carrying, transporting" or "freight", and it has kept its simple "carrying" sense to the present day. But its first known use in its "carrying of boats" sense came in 1698, and the obstacle that the canoes couldn't be steered over was none other than Niagara Falls. Though canoes are much lighter today than they used to be, a long portage that includes a lot of camping gear can still test a camper's strength.
Examples of portage in a Sentence
Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024
The falls are a portage where the civilians climb out of the boat and watch their guides navigate a 20-foot drop on their own before hopping back in.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 7 June 2024
Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 27 July 2023
Many simply portage around it.
—Carson Vaughan, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2020
See all Example Sentences for portage 
Dictionary Entries Near portage
Cite this Entry
“Portage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portage. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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Geographical Definition
Portage
geographical name
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