Word of the Day
11 February 2026
port
The 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.
Why this one
It replaced larboard, which sounded too much like starboard when shouted across a deck. The name stuck because the steering oar sat on the right, so the other side was the one turned to the quay.
In use
Fenders down the port side, we're coming alongside on that one.
Written by our editors to show how the term is used, not a recorded quotation.