Definition of the word carport

The word "carport" is a relatively recent addition to the English language, emerging in the mid-20th century. It combines the words "car" and "portal," which comes from the Old French word "portel," meaning gateway or doorway. The carport was invented as a simple and affordable alternative to a garage. Garages were initially out of reach for many people due to their high cost, and cars were often left exposed to the elements, which could cause rust and damage to the vehicle. The carport provided a covered and protected space for parking, shielding the car from rain, snow, and sun. The first recorded use of the term "carport" was in 1947, in a Los Angeles Times article discussing the construction of prefabricated structures for automobile storage. The article noted that the carport offered an affordable and convenient way for homeowners to protect their cars without the need for a costly garage. Since then, the popularity of the carport has grown dramatically, as more and more people seek affordable and practical solutions for storage and protection for their vehicles. Today, carports can be seen in cities and suburbs all over the world, and have even become popular as commercial structures, providing covered parking for multiple vehicles.