portada

Portada is a Spanish noun with several related meanings centered on the idea of an opening or front. The word derives from porta, door, with the suffix -ada, and it is used in various Spanish-speaking regions with some stylistic variation.

In journalism and publishing, portada most commonly refers to the front page of a newspaper or the leading image and headline on the first page of a magazine or issue. It can also denote the cover image or design that introduces a book or publication, sometimes encompassing the main artwork and title.

In architecture and built environments, portada describes an entrance or portal, especially the main doorway or façade of a building such as a church or other significant structure. The term emphasizes the ceremonial or decorative aspect of the entry, distinguishing it from other architectural elements like the interior or side façades.

Portada can also appear in toponymy and personal names. Several places are named La Portada or simply Portada, often referring to gate-like or arch features in the landscape. Portada is also a surname in some Spanish-speaking cultures.

Usage varies by context; in everyday language, it most often means the front page of a publication or the cover of a book, while in architectural discourse it points to an entrance or portal.