port
port Lexical Profile
port Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A town or city with a harbor or access to navigable water where ships load or unload cargo and passengers.
"The container ship arrived at the bustling port early in the morning to unload its freight."
A physical socket on a computer or electronic device into which a plug or cable connects, or a virtual endpoint for network communications.
"She plugged the external hard drive into the USB port on the side of her laptop."
A strong, sweet, typically dark red fortified wine originating from the Douro Valley in Portugal, often served as a dessert wine.
"After dinner, the host served a vintage port alongside a platter of aged cheeses and walnuts."
The left-hand side of a ship, boat, or aircraft when facing forward toward the bow or nose.
"Passengers gathered on the port side of the ferry to watch the dolphins swimming alongside."
An opening or aperture in the side of a ship, wall, or machine for admitting light and air, loading cargo, or allowing the passage of fluid or steam.
"Fresh sea breezes blew into the cabin through the open circular port."
• verb
To adapt or transfer software, data, or a telephone number from one computing environment, system, or service provider to another.
"The development studio decided to port the popular console game to personal computers."
To turn or shift the helm or rudder of a ship toward the left-hand side.
"The navigator instructed the steersman to port the helm as they approached the channel marker."
To carry or hold a rifle or other weapon diagonally across the body with the barrel sloping toward the left shoulder.
"The ceremonial guards were commanded to port arms during the formal inspection."
• adjective
Located on or relating to the left-hand side of a ship, boat, or aircraft when facing forward.
"The captain ordered the crew to inspect the port engine after noticing a drop in oil pressure."
• adverb
Toward or on the left-hand side of a ship or aircraft when facing the bow or front.
"The helmsman steered the vessel sharply port to avoid the shallow reef."
Word Nuance & Usage
In nautical and aviation contexts, 'port' always refers to the left-hand side of a vessel or aircraft when facing forward (toward the bow or nose), contrasting with 'starboard' on the right.
• Rhymes for port
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The maritime sense derives from Old English port and Old French port, both from Latin portus ('harbor, haven'), closely related to porta ('gate, entrance'). The verb sense meaning 'to carry or transfer' derives from Latin portare ('to carry'), while the fortified wine is named after the coastal city of Porto (Oporto) in northwestern Portugal.