diff --git a/src/cdk/overlay/overlay-ref.ts b/src/cdk/overlay/overlay-ref.ts
index 71684e924bf5..6d35a35f67ff 100644
--- a/src/cdk/overlay/overlay-ref.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/overlay/overlay-ref.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 import {NgZone} from '@angular/core';
-import {PortalHost, Portal} from '@angular/cdk/portal';
+import {PortalOutlet, Portal} from '@angular/cdk/portal';
 import {OverlayConfig} from './overlay-config';
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import {Subject} from 'rxjs/Subject';
@@ -17,14 +17,14 @@ import {Subject} from 'rxjs/Subject';
  * Reference to an overlay that has been created with the Overlay service.
  * Used to manipulate or dispose of said overlay.
  */
-export class OverlayRef implements PortalHost {
+export class OverlayRef implements PortalOutlet {
   private _backdropElement: HTMLElement | null = null;
   private _backdropClick: Subject<any> = new Subject();
   private _attachments = new Subject<void>();
   private _detachments = new Subject<void>();
 
   constructor(
-      private _portalHost: PortalHost,
+      private _portalOutlet: PortalOutlet,
       private _pane: HTMLElement,
       private _config: OverlayConfig,
       private _ngZone: NgZone) {
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ export class OverlayRef implements PortalHost {
    * @returns The portal attachment result.
    */
   attach(portal: Portal<any>): any {
-    let attachResult = this._portalHost.attach(portal);
+    let attachResult = this._portalOutlet.attach(portal);
 
     if (this._config.positionStrategy) {
       this._config.positionStrategy.attach(this);
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ export class OverlayRef implements PortalHost {
       this._config.scrollStrategy.disable();
     }
 
-    const detachmentResult = this._portalHost.detach();
+    const detachmentResult = this._portalOutlet.detach();
 
     // Only emit after everything is detached.
     this._detachments.next();
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ export class OverlayRef implements PortalHost {
     }
 
     this.detachBackdrop();
-    this._portalHost.dispose();
+    this._portalOutlet.dispose();
     this._attachments.complete();
     this._backdropClick.complete();
     this._detachments.next();
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ export class OverlayRef implements PortalHost {
    * Checks whether the overlay has been attached.
    */
   hasAttached(): boolean {
-    return this._portalHost.hasAttached();
+    return this._portalOutlet.hasAttached();
   }
 
   /**
diff --git a/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.md b/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.md
index f37cce43fe7a..320105d6983d 100644
--- a/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.md
+++ b/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ The `Overlay` service provides a way to open floating panels on the screen.
 Calling `overlay.create()` will return an `OverlayRef` instance. This instance is a handle for
 managing that specific overlay.
 
-The `OverlayRef` _is_ a `PortalHost`- once created, content can be added by attaching a `Portal`.
+The `OverlayRef` _is_ a `PortalOutlet`- once created, content can be added by attaching a `Portal`.
 See the documentation on portals for further information.
 ```ts
 const overlayRef = overlay.create();
diff --git a/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.ts b/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.ts
index 2bfa74a58126..695f77101379 100644
--- a/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/overlay/overlay.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import {
   Injector,
   NgZone,
 } from '@angular/core';
-import {DomPortalHost} from '@angular/cdk/portal';
+import {DomPortalOutlet} from '@angular/cdk/portal';
 import {OverlayConfig} from './overlay-config';
 import {OverlayRef} from './overlay-ref';
 import {OverlayPositionBuilder} from './position/overlay-position-builder';
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ let defaultConfig = new OverlayConfig();
  * selects, etc. can all be built using overlays. The service should primarily be used by authors
  * of re-usable components rather than developers building end-user applications.
  *
- * An overlay *is* a PortalHost, so any kind of Portal can be loaded into one.
+ * An overlay *is* a PortalOutlet, so any kind of Portal can be loaded into one.
  */
 @Injectable()
 export class Overlay {
@@ -53,8 +53,8 @@ export class Overlay {
    */
   create(config: OverlayConfig = defaultConfig): OverlayRef {
     const pane = this._createPaneElement();
-    const portalHost = this._createPortalHost(pane);
-    return new OverlayRef(portalHost, pane, config, this._ngZone);
+    const portalOutlet = this._createPortalOutlet(pane);
+    return new OverlayRef(portalOutlet, pane, config, this._ngZone);
   }
 
   /**
@@ -80,11 +80,11 @@ export class Overlay {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Create a DomPortalHost into which the overlay content can be loaded.
-   * @param pane The DOM element to turn into a portal host.
-   * @returns A portal host for the given DOM element.
+   * Create a DomPortalOutlet into which the overlay content can be loaded.
+   * @param pane The DOM element to turn into a portal outlet.
+   * @returns A portal outlet for the given DOM element.
    */
-  private _createPortalHost(pane: HTMLElement): DomPortalHost {
-    return new DomPortalHost(pane, this._componentFactoryResolver, this._appRef, this._injector);
+  private _createPortalOutlet(pane: HTMLElement): DomPortalOutlet {
+    return new DomPortalOutlet(pane, this._componentFactoryResolver, this._appRef, this._injector);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/cdk/portal/dom-portal-host.ts b/src/cdk/portal/dom-portal-outlet.ts
similarity index 88%
rename from src/cdk/portal/dom-portal-host.ts
rename to src/cdk/portal/dom-portal-outlet.ts
index f39b09d7b824..dbd7e53a87c2 100644
--- a/src/cdk/portal/dom-portal-host.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/portal/dom-portal-outlet.ts
@@ -13,16 +13,16 @@ import {
   ApplicationRef,
   Injector,
 } from '@angular/core';
-import {BasePortalHost, ComponentPortal, TemplatePortal} from './portal';
+import {BasePortalOutlet, ComponentPortal, TemplatePortal} from './portal';
 
 
 /**
- * A PortalHost for attaching portals to an arbitrary DOM element outside of the Angular
+ * A PortalOutlet for attaching portals to an arbitrary DOM element outside of the Angular
  * application context.
  *
  * This is the only part of the portal core that directly touches the DOM.
  */
-export class DomPortalHost extends BasePortalHost {
+export class DomPortalOutlet extends BasePortalOutlet {
   constructor(
       private _hostDomElement: Element,
       private _componentFactoryResolver: ComponentFactoryResolver,
@@ -75,8 +75,9 @@ export class DomPortalHost extends BasePortalHost {
     viewRef.detectChanges();
 
     // The method `createEmbeddedView` will add the view as a child of the viewContainer.
-    // But for the DomPortalHost the view can be added everywhere in the DOM (e.g Overlay Container)
-    // To move the view to the specified host element. We just re-append the existing root nodes.
+    // But for the DomPortalOutlet the view can be added everywhere in the DOM
+    // (e.g Overlay Container) To move the view to the specified host element. We just
+    // re-append the existing root nodes.
     viewRef.rootNodes.forEach(rootNode => this._hostDomElement.appendChild(rootNode));
 
     this.setDisposeFn((() => {
diff --git a/src/cdk/portal/portal-directives.ts b/src/cdk/portal/portal-directives.ts
index 9f4b9e217067..d2abb047088a 100644
--- a/src/cdk/portal/portal-directives.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/portal/portal-directives.ts
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ import {
     OnDestroy,
     Input,
 } from '@angular/core';
-import {Portal, TemplatePortal, ComponentPortal, BasePortalHost} from './portal';
+import {Portal, TemplatePortal, ComponentPortal, BasePortalOutlet} from './portal';
 
 
 /**
@@ -41,18 +41,18 @@ export class TemplatePortalDirective extends TemplatePortal<any> {
 
 
 /**
- * Directive version of a PortalHost. Because the directive *is* a PortalHost, portals can be
+ * Directive version of a PortalOutlet. Because the directive *is* a PortalOutlet, portals can be
  * directly attached to it, enabling declarative use.
  *
  * Usage:
- * <ng-template [cdkPortalHost]="greeting"></ng-template>
+ * <ng-template [cdkPortalOutlet]="greeting"></ng-template>
  */
 @Directive({
-  selector: '[cdkPortalHost], [portalHost]',
-  exportAs: 'cdkPortalHost',
-  inputs: ['portal: cdkPortalHost']
+  selector: '[cdkPortalOutlet], [cdkPortalHost], [portalHost]',
+  exportAs: 'cdkPortalOutlet, cdkPortalHost',
+  inputs: ['portal: cdkPortalOutlet']
 })
-export class PortalHostDirective extends BasePortalHost implements OnDestroy {
+export class PortalOutletDirective extends BasePortalOutlet implements OnDestroy {
   /** The attached portal. */
   private _portal: Portal<any> | null = null;
 
@@ -67,7 +67,12 @@ export class PortalHostDirective extends BasePortalHost implements OnDestroy {
   get _deprecatedPortal() { return this.portal; }
   set _deprecatedPortal(v) { this.portal = v; }
 
-  /** Portal associated with the Portal host. */
+  /** @deprecated */
+  @Input('cdkPortalHost')
+  get _deprecatedPortalHost() { return this.portal; }
+  set _deprecatedPortalHost(v) { this.portal = v; }
+
+  /** Portal associated with the Portal outlet. */
   get portal(): Portal<any> | null {
     return this._portal;
   }
@@ -90,15 +95,15 @@ export class PortalHostDirective extends BasePortalHost implements OnDestroy {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Attach the given ComponentPortal to this PortalHost using the ComponentFactoryResolver.
+   * Attach the given ComponentPortal to this PortalOutlet using the ComponentFactoryResolver.
    *
-   * @param portal Portal to be attached to the portal host.
+   * @param portal Portal to be attached to the portal outlet.
    */
   attachComponentPortal<T>(portal: ComponentPortal<T>): ComponentRef<T> {
     portal.setAttachedHost(this);
 
     // If the portal specifies an origin, use that as the logical location of the component
-    // in the application tree. Otherwise use the location of this PortalHost.
+    // in the application tree. Otherwise use the location of this PortalOutlet.
     let viewContainerRef = portal.viewContainerRef != null ?
         portal.viewContainerRef :
         this._viewContainerRef;
@@ -132,7 +137,7 @@ export class PortalHostDirective extends BasePortalHost implements OnDestroy {
 
 
 @NgModule({
-  exports: [TemplatePortalDirective, PortalHostDirective],
-  declarations: [TemplatePortalDirective, PortalHostDirective],
+  exports: [TemplatePortalDirective, PortalOutletDirective],
+  declarations: [TemplatePortalDirective, PortalOutletDirective],
 })
 export class PortalModule {}
diff --git a/src/cdk/portal/portal-errors.ts b/src/cdk/portal/portal-errors.ts
index aa9063e05f5b..45d0c06b95e3 100644
--- a/src/cdk/portal/portal-errors.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/portal/portal-errors.ts
@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@ export function throwPortalAlreadyAttachedError() {
  * Throws an exception when attempting to attach a portal to an already-disposed host.
  * @docs-private
  */
-export function throwPortalHostAlreadyDisposedError() {
-  throw Error('This PortalHost has already been disposed');
+export function throwPortalOutletAlreadyDisposedError() {
+  throw Error('This PortalOutlet has already been disposed');
 }
 
 /**
@@ -35,16 +35,16 @@ export function throwPortalHostAlreadyDisposedError() {
  * @docs-private
  */
 export function throwUnknownPortalTypeError() {
-  throw Error('Attempting to attach an unknown Portal type. BasePortalHost accepts either ' +
-                  'a ComponentPortal or a TemplatePortal.');
+  throw Error('Attempting to attach an unknown Portal type. BasePortalOutlet accepts either ' +
+              'a ComponentPortal or a TemplatePortal.');
 }
 
 /**
  * Throws an exception when attempting to attach a portal to a null host.
  * @docs-private
  */
-export function throwNullPortalHostError() {
-  throw Error('Attempting to attach a portal to a null PortalHost');
+export function throwNullPortalOutletError() {
+  throw Error('Attempting to attach a portal to a null PortalOutlet');
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/cdk/portal/portal.md b/src/cdk/portal/portal.md
index 79910d6c3371..e776a6525eb3 100644
--- a/src/cdk/portal/portal.md
+++ b/src/cdk/portal/portal.md
@@ -1,20 +1,20 @@
 ### Portals
 A `Portal `is a piece of UI that can be dynamically rendered to an open slot on the page.
 
-The "piece of UI" can be either a `Component` or a `TemplateRef` and the "open slot" is 
-a `PortalHost`.
+The "piece of UI" can be either a `Component` or a `TemplateRef` and the "open slot" is
+a `PortalOutlet`.
 
-Portals and PortalHosts are low-level building blocks that other concepts, such as overlays, are
+Portals and PortalOutlets are low-level building blocks that other concepts, such as overlays, are
 built upon.
 
 ##### `Portal<T>`
 | Method | Description |
 | --- | --- |
-| `attach(PortalHost): Promise<T>` | Attaches the portal to a host. |
+| `attach(PortalOutlet): Promise<T>` | Attaches the portal to a host. |
 | `detach(): Promise<void>` | Detaches the portal from its host. |
 | `isAttached: boolean` | Whether the portal is attached. |
 
-##### `PortalHost`
+##### `PortalOutlet`
 | Method | Description |
 | --- | --- |
 | `attach(Portal): Promise<void>` | Attaches a portal to the host. |
@@ -55,11 +55,11 @@ this.userSettingsPortal = new ComponentPortal(UserSettingsComponent);
 ```
 
 
-##### `PortalHostDirective`
-Used to add a portal host to a template. `PortalHostDirective` *is* a `PortalHost`.
+##### `PortalOutletDirective`
+Used to add a portal outlet to a template. `PortalOutletDirective` *is* a `PortalOutlet`.
 
 Usage:
 ```html
 <!-- Attaches the `userSettingsPortal` from the previous example. -->
-<ng-template [cdkPortalHost]="userSettingsPortal"></ng-template>
+<ng-template [cdkPortalOutlet]="userSettingsPortal"></ng-template>
 ```
diff --git a/src/cdk/portal/portal.spec.ts b/src/cdk/portal/portal.spec.ts
index 61496f5ba45c..12afa9028bda 100644
--- a/src/cdk/portal/portal.spec.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/portal/portal.spec.ts
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ import {
   TemplateRef
 } from '@angular/core';
 import {CommonModule} from '@angular/common';
-import {TemplatePortalDirective, PortalHostDirective, PortalModule} from './portal-directives';
+import {TemplatePortalDirective, PortalOutletDirective, PortalModule} from './portal-directives';
 import {Portal, ComponentPortal, TemplatePortal} from './portal';
-import {DomPortalHost} from './dom-portal-host';
+import {DomPortalOutlet} from './dom-portal-outlet';
 
 
 describe('Portals', () => {
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ describe('Portals', () => {
     TestBed.compileComponents();
   }));
 
-  describe('PortalHostDirective', () => {
+  describe('PortalOutletDirective', () => {
     let fixture: ComponentFixture<PortalTestApp>;
 
     beforeEach(() => {
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ describe('Portals', () => {
       // using TemplatePortal.attach method to set context
       testAppComponent.selectedPortal = undefined;
       fixture.detectChanges();
-      templatePortal.attach(testAppComponent.portalHost, {$implicit: {status: 'rotten'}});
+      templatePortal.attach(testAppComponent.portalOutlet, {$implicit: {status: 'rotten'}});
       fixture.detectChanges();
       // Expect that the content of the attached portal is present and context given via the
       // attach method is projected
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ describe('Portals', () => {
       // context, the latter should take precedence:
       testAppComponent.selectedPortal = undefined;
       fixture.detectChanges();
-      templatePortal.attach(testAppComponent.portalHost, {$implicit: {status: 'rotten'}});
+      templatePortal.attach(testAppComponent.portalOutlet, {$implicit: {status: 'rotten'}});
       fixture.detectChanges();
       // Expect that the content of the attached portal is present and and context given via the
       // attach method is projected and get precedence over constructor context
@@ -223,32 +223,32 @@ describe('Portals', () => {
       testAppComponent.selectedPortal = new ComponentPortal(PizzaMsg);
 
       fixture.detectChanges();
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.hasAttached()).toBe(true);
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.portal).toBe(testAppComponent.selectedPortal);
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.hasAttached()).toBe(true);
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.portal).toBe(testAppComponent.selectedPortal);
 
       testAppComponent.selectedPortal = null;
       fixture.detectChanges();
 
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.hasAttached()).toBe(false);
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.portal).toBeNull();
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.hasAttached()).toBe(false);
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.portal).toBeNull();
     });
 
     it('should set the `portal` when attaching a component portal programmatically', () => {
       let testAppComponent = fixture.debugElement.componentInstance;
       let portal = new ComponentPortal(PizzaMsg);
 
-      testAppComponent.portalHost.attachComponentPortal(portal);
+      testAppComponent.portalOutlet.attachComponentPortal(portal);
 
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.portal).toBe(portal);
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.portal).toBe(portal);
     });
 
     it('should set the `portal` when attaching a template portal programmatically', () => {
       let testAppComponent = fixture.debugElement.componentInstance;
       fixture.detectChanges();
 
-      testAppComponent.portalHost.attachTemplatePortal(testAppComponent.cakePortal);
+      testAppComponent.portalOutlet.attachTemplatePortal(testAppComponent.cakePortal);
 
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.portal).toBe(testAppComponent.cakePortal);
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.portal).toBe(testAppComponent.cakePortal);
     });
 
     it('should clear the portal reference on destroy', () => {
@@ -257,21 +257,21 @@ describe('Portals', () => {
       testAppComponent.selectedPortal = new ComponentPortal(PizzaMsg);
       fixture.detectChanges();
 
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.portal).toBeTruthy();
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.portal).toBeTruthy();
 
       fixture.destroy();
 
-      expect(testAppComponent.portalHost.portal).toBeNull();
+      expect(testAppComponent.portalOutlet.portal).toBeNull();
     });
   });
 
-  describe('DomPortalHost', () => {
+  describe('DomPortalOutlet', () => {
     let componentFactoryResolver: ComponentFactoryResolver;
     let someViewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef;
     let someInjector: Injector;
     let someFixture: ComponentFixture<any>;
     let someDomElement: HTMLElement;
-    let host: DomPortalHost;
+    let host: DomPortalOutlet;
     let injector: Injector;
     let appRef: ApplicationRef;
 
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ describe('Portals', () => {
 
     beforeEach(() => {
       someDomElement = document.createElement('div');
-      host = new DomPortalHost(someDomElement, componentFactoryResolver, appRef, injector);
+      host = new DomPortalOutlet(someDomElement, componentFactoryResolver, appRef, injector);
 
       someFixture = TestBed.createComponent(ArbitraryViewContainerRefComponent);
       someViewContainerRef = someFixture.componentInstance.viewContainerRef;
@@ -397,17 +397,17 @@ describe('Portals', () => {
       expect(componentInstance instanceof PizzaMsg)
           .toBe(true, 'Expected a PizzaMsg component to be created');
       expect(someDomElement.textContent)
-          .toContain('Pizza', 'Expected the static string "Pizza" in the DomPortalHost.');
+          .toContain('Pizza', 'Expected the static string "Pizza" in the DomPortalOutlet.');
 
       componentInstance.snack = new Chocolate();
       someFixture.detectChanges();
       expect(someDomElement.textContent)
-          .toContain('Chocolate', 'Expected the bound string "Chocolate" in the DomPortalHost');
+          .toContain('Chocolate', 'Expected the bound string "Chocolate" in the DomPortalOutlet');
 
       host.detach();
 
       expect(someDomElement.innerHTML)
-          .toBe('', 'Expected the DomPortalHost to be empty after detach');
+          .toBe('', 'Expected the DomPortalOutlet to be empty after detach');
     });
 
     it('should call the dispose function even if the host has no attached content', () => {
@@ -457,12 +457,12 @@ class ArbitraryViewContainerRefComponent {
 }
 
 
-/** Test-bed component that contains a portal host and a couple of template portals. */
+/** Test-bed component that contains a portal outlet and a couple of template portals. */
 @Component({
   selector: 'portal-test',
   template: `
   <div class="portal-container">
-    <ng-template [cdkPortalHost]="selectedPortal"></ng-template>
+    <ng-template [cdkPortalOutlet]="selectedPortal"></ng-template>
   </div>
 
   <ng-template cdk-portal>Cake</ng-template>
@@ -481,7 +481,7 @@ class ArbitraryViewContainerRefComponent {
 })
 class PortalTestApp {
   @ViewChildren(TemplatePortalDirective) portals: QueryList<TemplatePortalDirective>;
-  @ViewChild(PortalHostDirective) portalHost: PortalHostDirective;
+  @ViewChild(PortalOutletDirective) portalOutlet: PortalOutletDirective;
   @ViewChild('templateRef', { read: TemplateRef }) templateRef: TemplateRef<any>;
 
   selectedPortal: Portal<any>;
diff --git a/src/cdk/portal/portal.ts b/src/cdk/portal/portal.ts
index 8352e5b31586..b1d84aab4f83 100644
--- a/src/cdk/portal/portal.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/portal/portal.ts
@@ -15,11 +15,11 @@ import {
     Injector
 } from '@angular/core';
 import {
-    throwNullPortalHostError,
+    throwNullPortalOutletError,
     throwPortalAlreadyAttachedError,
     throwNoPortalAttachedError,
     throwNullPortalError,
-    throwPortalHostAlreadyDisposedError,
+    throwPortalOutletAlreadyDisposedError,
     throwUnknownPortalTypeError
 } from './portal-errors';
 
@@ -30,15 +30,15 @@ export interface ComponentType<T> {
 
 /**
  * A `Portal` is something that you want to render somewhere else.
- * It can be attach to / detached from a `PortalHost`.
+ * It can be attach to / detached from a `PortalOutlet`.
  */
 export abstract class Portal<T> {
-  private _attachedHost: PortalHost | null;
+  private _attachedHost: PortalOutlet | null;
 
   /** Attach this portal to a host. */
-  attach(host: PortalHost): T {
+  attach(host: PortalOutlet): T {
     if (host == null) {
-      throwNullPortalHostError();
+      throwNullPortalOutletError();
     }
 
     if (host.hasAttached()) {
@@ -67,10 +67,10 @@ export abstract class Portal<T> {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Sets the PortalHost reference without performing `attach()`. This is used directly by
-   * the PortalHost when it is performing an `attach()` or `detach()`.
+   * Sets the PortalOutlet reference without performing `attach()`. This is used directly by
+   * the PortalOutlet when it is performing an `attach()` or `detach()`.
    */
-  setAttachedHost(host: PortalHost | null) {
+  setAttachedHost(host: PortalOutlet | null) {
     this._attachedHost = host;
   }
 }
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ export class ComponentPortal<T> extends Portal<ComponentRef<T>> {
 
   /**
    * [Optional] Where the attached component should live in Angular's *logical* component tree.
-   * This is different from where the component *renders*, which is determined by the PortalHost.
+   * This is different from where the component *renders*, which is determined by the PortalOutlet.
    * The origin is necessary when the host is outside of the Angular application context.
    */
   viewContainerRef?: ViewContainerRef | null;
@@ -130,11 +130,11 @@ export class TemplatePortal<C> extends Portal<C> {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Attach the the portal to the provided `PortalHost`.
+   * Attach the the portal to the provided `PortalOutlet`.
    * When a context is provided it will override the `context` property of the `TemplatePortal`
    * instance.
    */
-  attach(host: PortalHost, context: C | undefined = this.context): C {
+  attach(host: PortalOutlet, context: C | undefined = this.context): C {
     this.context = context;
     return super.attach(host);
   }
@@ -147,9 +147,9 @@ export class TemplatePortal<C> extends Portal<C> {
 
 
 /**
- * A `PortalHost` is an space that can contain a single `Portal`.
+ * A `PortalOutlet` is an space that can contain a single `Portal`.
  */
-export interface PortalHost {
+export interface PortalOutlet {
   attach(portal: Portal<any>): any;
 
   detach(): any;
@@ -161,10 +161,10 @@ export interface PortalHost {
 
 
 /**
- * Partial implementation of PortalHost that only deals with attaching either a
+ * Partial implementation of PortalOutlet that only deals with attaching either a
  * ComponentPortal or a TemplatePortal.
  */
-export abstract class BasePortalHost implements PortalHost {
+export abstract class BasePortalOutlet implements PortalOutlet {
   /** The portal currently attached to the host. */
   private _attachedPortal: Portal<any> | null;
 
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ export abstract class BasePortalHost implements PortalHost {
     }
 
     if (this._isDisposed) {
-      throwPortalHostAlreadyDisposedError();
+      throwPortalOutletAlreadyDisposedError();
     }
 
     if (portal instanceof ComponentPortal) {
diff --git a/src/cdk/portal/public-api.ts b/src/cdk/portal/public-api.ts
index ff3db2670fd8..cad046f323ea 100644
--- a/src/cdk/portal/public-api.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/portal/public-api.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,10 @@
  */
 
 export * from './portal';
-export * from './dom-portal-host';
+export * from './dom-portal-outlet';
 export * from './portal-directives';
 export * from './portal-injector';
+
+export {DomPortalOutlet as DomPortalHost} from './dom-portal-outlet';
+export {PortalOutletDirective as PortalHostDirective} from './portal-directives';
+export {PortalOutlet as PortalHost, BasePortalOutlet as BasePortalHost} from './portal';
diff --git a/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.html b/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.html
index ee17457ba788..1a19fe9bc91d 100644
--- a/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.html
+++ b/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.html
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-<h2> The portal host is here: </h2>
-<div class="demo-portal-host">
-  <ng-template [cdkPortalHost]="selectedPortal"></ng-template>
+<h2> The portal outlet is here: </h2>
+<div class="demo-portal-outlet">
+  <ng-template [cdkPortalOutlet]="selectedPortal"></ng-template>
 </div>
 
 <button type="button" (click)="selectedPortal = programmingJoke">
diff --git a/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.scss b/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.scss
index 06a7f64855cc..812fce20bc2b 100644
--- a/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.scss
+++ b/src/demo-app/portal/portal-demo.scss
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-.demo-portal-host {
+.demo-portal-outlet {
   margin-bottom: 10px;
   padding: 10px;
   border: 1px dashed black;
diff --git a/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.html b/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.html
index 5b263ad218a4..215f0d9c55b3 100644
--- a/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.html
+++ b/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.html
@@ -1 +1 @@
-<ng-template cdkPortalHost></ng-template>
+<ng-template cdkPortalOutlet></ng-template>
diff --git a/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.ts b/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.ts
index 91d0c9ba96db..8826063cd1f0 100644
--- a/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.ts
+++ b/src/lib/dialog/dialog-container.ts
@@ -22,9 +22,9 @@ import {
 import {animate, AnimationEvent, state, style, transition, trigger} from '@angular/animations';
 import {DOCUMENT} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 import {
-  BasePortalHost,
+  BasePortalOutlet,
   ComponentPortal,
-  PortalHostDirective,
+  PortalOutletDirective,
   TemplatePortal
 } from '@angular/cdk/portal';
 import {FocusTrap, FocusTrapFactory} from '@angular/cdk/a11y';
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ import {MatDialogConfig} from './dialog-config';
 
 /**
  * Throws an exception for the case when a ComponentPortal is
- * attached to a DomPortalHost without an origin.
+ * attached to a DomPortalOutlet without an origin.
  * @docs-private
  */
 export function throwMatDialogContentAlreadyAttachedError() {
@@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ export function throwMatDialogContentAlreadyAttachedError() {
     '(@slideDialog.done)': '_onAnimationDone($event)',
   },
 })
-export class MatDialogContainer extends BasePortalHost {
-  /** The portal host inside of this container into which the dialog content will be loaded. */
-  @ViewChild(PortalHostDirective) _portalHost: PortalHostDirective;
+export class MatDialogContainer extends BasePortalOutlet {
+  /** The portal outlet inside of this container into which the dialog content will be loaded. */
+  @ViewChild(PortalOutletDirective) _portalOutlet: PortalOutletDirective;
 
   /** The class that traps and manages focus within the dialog. */
   private _focusTrap: FocusTrap;
@@ -117,12 +117,12 @@ export class MatDialogContainer extends BasePortalHost {
    * @param portal Portal to be attached as the dialog content.
    */
   attachComponentPortal<T>(portal: ComponentPortal<T>): ComponentRef<T> {
-    if (this._portalHost.hasAttached()) {
+    if (this._portalOutlet.hasAttached()) {
       throwMatDialogContentAlreadyAttachedError();
     }
 
     this._savePreviouslyFocusedElement();
-    return this._portalHost.attachComponentPortal(portal);
+    return this._portalOutlet.attachComponentPortal(portal);
   }
 
   /**
@@ -130,12 +130,12 @@ export class MatDialogContainer extends BasePortalHost {
    * @param portal Portal to be attached as the dialog content.
    */
   attachTemplatePortal<C>(portal: TemplatePortal<C>): EmbeddedViewRef<C> {
-    if (this._portalHost.hasAttached()) {
+    if (this._portalOutlet.hasAttached()) {
       throwMatDialogContentAlreadyAttachedError();
     }
 
     this._savePreviouslyFocusedElement();
-    return this._portalHost.attachTemplatePortal(portal);
+    return this._portalOutlet.attachTemplatePortal(portal);
   }
 
   /** Moves the focus inside the focus trap. */
diff --git a/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.html b/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.html
index 5b263ad218a4..215f0d9c55b3 100644
--- a/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.html
+++ b/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.html
@@ -1 +1 @@
-<ng-template cdkPortalHost></ng-template>
+<ng-template cdkPortalOutlet></ng-template>
diff --git a/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.ts b/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.ts
index 64ad981d71ee..85c326cfb5eb 100644
--- a/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.ts
+++ b/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-container.ts
@@ -28,9 +28,9 @@ import {
   AnimationEvent,
 } from '@angular/animations';
 import {
-  BasePortalHost,
+  BasePortalOutlet,
   ComponentPortal,
-  PortalHostDirective,
+  PortalOutletDirective,
 } from '@angular/cdk/portal';
 import {first} from '@angular/cdk/rxjs';
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
@@ -70,12 +70,12 @@ export const HIDE_ANIMATION = '195ms cubic-bezier(0.0,0.0,0.2,1)';
     ])
   ],
 })
-export class MatSnackBarContainer extends BasePortalHost implements OnDestroy {
+export class MatSnackBarContainer extends BasePortalOutlet implements OnDestroy {
   /** Whether the component has been destroyed. */
   private _destroyed = false;
 
-  /** The portal host inside of this container into which the snack bar content will be loaded. */
-  @ViewChild(PortalHostDirective) _portalHost: PortalHostDirective;
+  /** The portal outlet inside of this container into which the snack bar content will be loaded. */
+  @ViewChild(PortalOutletDirective) _portalOutlet: PortalOutletDirective;
 
   /** Subject for notifying that the snack bar has exited from view. */
   _onExit: Subject<any> = new Subject();
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ export class MatSnackBarContainer extends BasePortalHost implements OnDestroy {
 
   /** Attach a component portal as content to this snack bar container. */
   attachComponentPortal<T>(portal: ComponentPortal<T>): ComponentRef<T> {
-    if (this._portalHost.hasAttached()) {
+    if (this._portalOutlet.hasAttached()) {
       throw Error('Attempting to attach snack bar content after content is already attached');
     }
 
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ export class MatSnackBarContainer extends BasePortalHost implements OnDestroy {
       this._renderer.addClass(this._elementRef.nativeElement, 'mat-snack-bar-top');
     }
 
-    return this._portalHost.attachComponentPortal(portal);
+    return this._portalOutlet.attachComponentPortal(portal);
   }
 
   /** Attach a template portal as content to this snack bar container. */
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.html b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.html
index c6e7a4cdd526..0650b3fdc08d 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.html
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.html
@@ -2,5 +2,5 @@
      [@translateTab]="_position"
      (@translateTab.start)="_onTranslateTabStarted($event)"
      (@translateTab.done)="_onTranslateTabComplete($event)">
-  <ng-template cdkPortalHost></ng-template>
+  <ng-template cdkPortalOutlet></ng-template>
 </div>
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
index 83cf647816a4..4572e9f756fe 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
@@ -156,16 +156,16 @@ describe('MatTabBody', () => {
     it('should attach the content when centered and detach when not', fakeAsync(() => {
       fixture.componentInstance.position = 1;
       fixture.detectChanges();
-      expect(fixture.componentInstance.tabBody._portalHost.hasAttached()).toBe(false);
+      expect(fixture.componentInstance.tabBody._portalOutlet.hasAttached()).toBe(false);
 
       fixture.componentInstance.position = 0;
       fixture.detectChanges();
-      expect(fixture.componentInstance.tabBody._portalHost.hasAttached()).toBe(true);
+      expect(fixture.componentInstance.tabBody._portalOutlet.hasAttached()).toBe(true);
 
       fixture.componentInstance.position = 1;
       fixture.detectChanges();
       flushMicrotasks(); // Finish animation and let it detach in animation done handler
-      expect(fixture.componentInstance.tabBody._portalHost.hasAttached()).toBe(false);
+      expect(fixture.componentInstance.tabBody._portalOutlet.hasAttached()).toBe(false);
     }));
   });
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
index 9eb53f5f7316..d2e14bcfd0dc 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ import {
   transition,
   AnimationEvent,
 } from '@angular/animations';
-import {TemplatePortal, PortalHostDirective} from '@angular/cdk/portal';
+import {TemplatePortal, PortalOutletDirective} from '@angular/cdk/portal';
 import {Directionality, Direction} from '@angular/cdk/bidi';
 
 
@@ -87,8 +87,8 @@ export type MatTabBodyOriginState = 'left' | 'right';
   ]
 })
 export class MatTabBody implements OnInit, AfterViewChecked {
-  /** The portal host inside of this container into which the tab body content will be loaded. */
-  @ViewChild(PortalHostDirective) _portalHost: PortalHostDirective;
+  /** The portal outlet inside of this container into which the tab body content will be loaded. */
+  @ViewChild(PortalOutletDirective) _portalOutlet: PortalOutletDirective;
 
   /** Event emitted when the tab begins to animate towards the center as the active tab. */
   @Output() _onCentering: EventEmitter<number> = new EventEmitter<number>();
@@ -144,8 +144,8 @@ export class MatTabBody implements OnInit, AfterViewChecked {
    * content if it is not already attached.
    */
   ngAfterViewChecked() {
-    if (this._isCenterPosition(this._position) && !this._portalHost.hasAttached()) {
-      this._portalHost.attach(this._content);
+    if (this._isCenterPosition(this._position) && !this._portalOutlet.hasAttached()) {
+      this._portalOutlet.attach(this._content);
     }
   }
 
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ export class MatTabBody implements OnInit, AfterViewChecked {
   _onTranslateTabComplete(e: AnimationEvent) {
     // If the end state is that the tab is not centered, then detach the content.
     if (!this._isCenterPosition(e.toState) && !this._isCenterPosition(this._position)) {
-      this._portalHost.detach();
+      this._portalOutlet.detach();
     }
 
     // If the transition to the center is complete, emit an event.
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-group.html b/src/lib/tabs/tab-group.html
index da2d053b913d..1340760e198d 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-group.html
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-group.html
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 
     <!-- If there is a label template, use it. -->
     <ng-template [ngIf]="tab.templateLabel">
-      <ng-template [cdkPortalHost]="tab.templateLabel"></ng-template>
+      <ng-template [cdkPortalOutlet]="tab.templateLabel"></ng-template>
     </ng-template>
 
     <!-- If there is not a label template, fall back to the text label. -->