Ports Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/pɔːrts/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A place on a coast or shore that provides facilities for ships to load and unload cargo or passengers.

Examples

• The cargo ship docked at the port to unload its cargo.
• Ports play a crucial role in international trade.

Synonyms

• Harbor
• Terminal

Antonyms

• Landlocked
• Isolated

Additional Information

Ports are essential for the transportation of goods and people across the globe. They provide a range of facilities, including warehouses, cranes, and docking facilities. Ports can be found on coastlines, rivers, and lakes, and they play a vital role in international trade.

There are different types of ports, including cargo ports, passenger ports, and naval ports. Cargo ports handle the loading and unloading of cargo, while passenger ports cater to the needs of passengers. Naval ports, on the other hand, are used by naval vessels.

Ports have been an essential part of human civilization for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Phoenicians and the Greeks, built ports to facilitate trade and commerce.

Etymology

The word “port” comes from the Latin word “portus,” meaning “harbor” or “haven.” The Latin word is derived from the verb “portare,” which means “to carry” or “to convey.”

Usage Notes

The word “port” can be used in different contexts, including geography, transportation, and computing. In geography, a port refers to a place on a coast or shore that provides facilities for ships. In transportation, a port refers to a place where goods or passengers are loaded or unloaded. In computing, a port refers to a number that identifies a specific process or service.

Cultural References

Ports have been featured in numerous films, literature, and art throughout history. In literature, ports have been depicted as bustling centers of commerce and trade. In film, ports have been featured in movies such as “On the Waterfront” and “The Terminal.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “In port,” meaning “in a safe or secure place.”
• “Port of call,” meaning “a place where a ship stops to load or unload cargo or passengers.”

Related Words or Phrases

• Harbor
• Terminal
• Dock

Collocations

• Port city
• Port facilities
• Port operations

Frequency of Use

The word “port” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in the context of transportation and geography.

Common Misspellings

• Pore
• Pour
• Pert