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Port Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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port

[pɔːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sea transportation

A place on the coast where ships can dock to load and unload cargo.

Synonyms

dock, harbor, wharf.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
port

This term generally refers to a large area on the coast where ships can dock and transfer goods or passengers. It's often used for commercial shipping and travel.

  • The ship is arriving at the port tomorrow.
  • They are expanding the port to handle more cargo.
harbor

A harbor is a sheltered area on the coast where ships can anchor safely, often protected from the weather by natural or artificial barriers. It can refer to both commercial and recreational docking.

  • The boats sought refuge in the harbor during the storm.
  • The city’s harbor is filled with yachts and fishing boats.
dock

This usually refers to the specific area where ships are tied up to load and unload goods or embark and disembark passengers. It can also be used as a verb.

  • The ship is now in the dock.
  • We will dock at noon.
wharf

This term refers to a specific platform built on the shore or projecting into the sea, where ships can load and unload cargo or passengers. It's often used in a commercial context.

  • Containers are being loaded onto the ship at the wharf.
  • He works down at the wharf unloading fish.

Examples of usage

  • The port was bustling with activity as the cargo ships were being loaded and unloaded.
  • The port authority oversees the operations at the harbor.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A specific point in a computer network where data is sent and received.

Synonyms

connection point, interface, socket.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
port

Used in both hardware and software contexts to describe a place where connections can be made, such as USB ports on a computer or network ports for Internet connections.

  • 1
  • Plug the USB cable into the port on the side of the laptop
  • 2
  • The server listens for incoming requests on port 8080
interface

Typically used to describe a boundary across which two separate systems communicate, often found in hardware and software design.

  • 1
  • The user interface of the application needs to be easy to navigate
  • 2
  • The interface between the two components allows them to work together seamlessly
connection point

Often used in networking to refer to nodes or hubs where multiple devices can connect to each other.

  • 1
  • The router serves as the main connection point for all devices in the network
  • 2
  • The switch acts as a connection point in the office's LAN
socket

Used primarily in networking to describe an endpoint for sending and receiving data between devices over a network. Also refers to physical sockets for connecting electric plugs.

  • 1
  • The client establishes a connection with the server using a socket
  • 2
  • Plug the lamp into the wall socket

Examples of usage

  • Make sure your firewall allows traffic through the specified port.
  • The server uses port 80 for web traffic.
Context #3 | Verb

computing

To adapt software so that it runs on a different platform.

Synonyms

adapt, migrate, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
port

Typically used in technology and software development when moving software from one system or platform to another.

  • The development team needs to port the application to the new operating system
  • The game was originally made for PC but has now been ported to consoles
adapt

Used in general contexts when something is being changed to suit new conditions or requirements.

  • She had to adapt her teaching methods to include more online resources
  • The book was adapted into a movie
migrate

Commonly used in IT for moving data, applications, or systems from one place to another. Also used in general language to describe moving from one location to another.

  • The company decided to migrate their data to a cloud-based system
  • Birds migrate south for the winter
transfer

Used when moving something from one place, person, or thing to another, often implying a more general or physical sense.

  • Please transfer the files to my external hard drive
  • He transferred to a new university to continue his studies

Examples of usage

  • The developers had to port the application from iOS to Android.
  • Porting the game to consoles required additional optimization.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Some of the world's busiest ports, like Shanghai and Singapore, handle millions of containers each year, fueling global trade.
  • Major ports are often located near river mouths or coastal areas, as they provide easy access for large vessels.
  • Not all ports are the same; some are for cargo, while others are dedicated to passenger travel or fishing.

History

  • Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Phoenicians, relied on ports to trade goods like spices and textiles across the Mediterranean.
  • During the Age of Exploration, ports served as launching points for explorers, contributing to the discovery of new lands.
  • Historical battles often occurred near key ports, illustrating their strategic importance for military and trade control.

Economics

  • Ports generate significant revenue for countries, supporting industries like shipping, fishing, and tourism.
  • Inland ports allow goods to be transported more efficiently via rail and trucks, bridging sea and land trade.
  • The development of free trade zones within ports has encouraged international business, making them vital for global economies.

Culture

  • Ports are often depicted in literature and films as places of adventure, mystery, and journeys across the seas.
  • Many coastal cities celebrate their port heritage with festivals, highlighting seafood cuisine and maritime traditions.
  • Art inspired by ports can be seen in paintings, with famous artists capturing lively scenes of shipping and harbor life.

Origin of 'port'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'port' comes from the Latin 'portus', meaning 'harbor' or 'haven', showing its long history related to safety and shelter for ships.
  • In medieval times, trading ports like Venice became centers of commerce and culture in Europe, driven by their strategic locations.
  • The French also use 'port' to describe a harbor, showcasing how languages often borrow maritime terms from one another.

The word 'port' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Latin word 'portus' meaning 'harbor' or 'haven'. The term has been used historically to refer to a place where ships load and unload cargo, as well as in the context of computing to denote a specific communication endpoint in a network. Over time, the term has also been adopted in the software development field to describe the process of adapting software to run on different platforms.

See also: airport, comport, deport, export, passport, portability, portable, portal, portend, portent, porter, porters, portion, portly, portrait, viewport.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,017, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.