portfolio

 
Pronunciation: /pɔːtˈfəʊlɪəʊ/

noun (plural portfolios)

  • 1a large, thin, flat case for loose sheets of paper such as drawings or maps: under his arm he carried a large portfolio of drawings
  • a set of pieces of creative work intended to demonstrate a person’s ability to a potential employer: she had a portfolio of crayon portraits
  • a varied set of photographs of a model or actor intended to be shown to a potential employer: entrants must not have done any professional modelling or have an existing portfolio
  • 2a range of investments held by a person or organization: a portfolio of insured municipal securities
  • a range of products or services offered by an organization: an unrivalled portfolio of quality brands
  • 3 [as modifier] denoting or engaged in an employment pattern which involves a succession of short-term contracts and part-time work, rather than the more traditional model of a single job for life: portfolio careers allow women to balance work with family
  • 4the position and duties of a Minister or Secretary of State: he took on the Foreign Affairs portfolio

Origin:

early 18th century: from Italian portafogli, from portare 'carry' + foglio 'leaf' (from Latin folium)