a harbour, river, or haven, formed either by nature or art to receive and shelter shipping from the storms of the open sea.

Port is also a name given on some occasions to the larboard or left side of the ship, as in the following instances: Thus, it is said, "the ship heeds to port," that is, stoops or inclines to the larboard side. "Top the yard to port," the order to make the larboard extremity of a yard higher than the other. "Port the helm," the order to put the helm over the larboard side of the vessel. In all these senses this phrase appears intended to prevent any mistakes happening from the similarity of sounds in the words starboard and larboard.

Ports, the embrasures or openings in the side of a ship of war, wherein the artillery is ranged in battery upon the decks above and below.