port of call: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Nautical, Business, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “port of call” mean?
A port where a ship stops during a voyage to load/unload cargo, or take on passengers/supplies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A port where a ship stops during a voyage to load/unload cargo, or take on passengers/supplies.
A place visited on a journey or tour; a stop included in an itinerary. Figuratively, a point or stage in a process or series of events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or use. Slightly more prevalent in British maritime contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both variants. The figurative use is equally common.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “port of call” in a Sentence
[be/visit/make] a port of call[with] [first/next] port of call [being][add/remove] from the list of ports of callVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “port of call” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in logistics, shipping, and travel industries to denote planned commercial stops.
Academic
Used in historical, geographical, or economic texts discussing trade routes.
Everyday
Used figuratively to discuss plans, errands, or stages in a process.
Technical
A standard term in maritime navigation and shipping schedules.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “port of call”
- Using 'port of call' to mean a final, permanent destination. Confusing it with 'port of entry' (specific for customs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin and literal meaning are nautical, it is very commonly used figuratively for any planned stop in a journey or process.
A 'destination' is the end point of a journey. A 'port of call' is an intermediate stop made along the way to that destination.
Yes, especially in logistics, travel, and figuratively (e.g., 'My next port of call is the marketing meeting').
No, it is typically written as three separate words: 'port of call'. It may be hyphenated when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'a port-of-call list').
A port where a ship stops during a voyage to load/unload cargo, or take on passengers/supplies.
Port of call is usually formal, nautical, business, figurative in register.
Port of call: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɔːt əv ˈkɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɔːrt əv ˈkɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “First port of call (figurative: initial point of contact or action)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship's captain CALLing out 'PORT ahead!' as the next scheduled STOP.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/ACTIVITY IS A VOYAGE. (e.g., 'My next port of call is the bank.')
Practice
Quiz
In its figurative sense, 'port of call' primarily implies: