port

1 syllable

Quick answer

As a noun, port means a place on the coast at which ships can shelter, or dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. As an adjective, it means of or relating to port, the left-hand side of a vessel when facing the bow.

Meanings of port

33 meanings

noun

A place on the coast at which ships can shelter, or dock to load and unload cargo or passengers.
A town or city containing such a place, a port city.
nauticalaviationThe left-hand side of a vessel, including aircraft, when one is facing the front. Used to unambiguously refer to directions relative to the vessel structure, rather than to a person or object on board.
rowingA sweep rower that primarily rows with an oar on the port side.
“Each eight has four ports and four starboards.”
An opening or doorway in the side of a ship, especially for boarding or loading; an embrasure through which a cannon may be discharged; a porthole.
medicineA small medical appliance installed beneath the skin, connected to a vein by a catheter, and used to inject drugs or to draw blood samples.
curlingbowlsA space between two stones wide enough for a delivered stone or bowl to pass through.
An opening where a connection (such as a pipe) is made.
computingA logical or physical construct in and from which data are transferred. Computer port (hardware).
computingA female connector of an electronic device, into which a cable's male connector can be inserted.
Something used to carry a thing, especially a frame for wicks in candle-making.
militaryThe position of a weapon when ported; a rifle position executed by throwing the weapon diagonally across the front of the body, with the right hand grasping the small of the stock and the barrel sloping upward and crossing the point of the left shoulder.
computingA program that has been adapted, modified, or recoded so that it works on a different platform from the one for which it was created; the act of this adapting.
“Gamers can't wait until a port of the title is released on the new system.”
“The latest port of the database software is the worst since we made the changeover.”
computingbsdA set of files used to build and install a binary executable file from the source code of an application.

Older and rare meanings (2)

now scotlandhistoricalAn entryway or gate.
archaicThe manner in which a person carries himself; bearing; deportment; carriage. See also portance.

adjective

nauticalOf or relating to port, the left-hand side of a vessel when facing the bow.
“on the port side”
Located on the left side of a ship or aircraft
Similar: larboard

verb

nauticalchiefly imperativeTo turn or put to the left or larboard side of a ship; said of the helm.
“Port your helm!”
To carry, bear, or transport. See porter.
militaryTo hold or carry (a weapon) with both hands so that it lays diagonally across the front of the body, with the barrel or similar part near the left shoulder and the right hand grasping the small of the stock; or, to throw (the weapon) into this position on command.
computingvideo gamesTo adapt, modify, or create a new version of, a program so that it works on a different platform. Porting (computing).
telephonyTo carry or transfer (an existing telephone number) from one telephone service provider to another.
USgovernmentlawTo transfer a voucher or subsidy from one jurisdiction to another.
Bring to port
“the captain ported the ship at night”
Land at or reach a port
“The ship finally ported”
Drink port
“We were porting all in the club after dinner”