port of call

noun phrase

1
: an intermediate port where ships customarily stop for supplies, repairs, or transshipment of cargo
2
: a stop included on an itinerary

Examples of port of call in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Travelers who do not board their ship in time are generally responsible for getting themselves to the next port of call, according to Kuther. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024 The first port of call is Ikira, a tiny island known for its hot springs that also happens to be one of the world’s Blue Zones. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 For You Medical experts recommend consulting professionals as a first port of call to discuss specific needs and concerns prior to taking a supplement. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024 In addition, Narvik is now an increasingly important port of call for several European cruise lines running northern lights and midnight sun itineraries. David Nikel, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 Vietnam has become a frequent port of call in recent years for U.S. aircraft carriers operating in the region. Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Foreign Affairs, 15 Mar. 2024 Although the short daylight hours of early winter does limit evening sightseeing, there are late afternoon and evening ports of call that enable guests to explore ashore, including Svolvær and Tromsø. David Nikel, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Such cruises are typically short (3-6 days) with few ports of call, allowing time for multiple performances in the cruise ship’s main theater, lounges, and pool deck. David Nikel, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Collapsible Umbrella Weather on a cruise can be tough to predict, particularly for various ports of call. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'port of call.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of port of call was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near port of call

Cite this Entry

“Port of call.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/port%20of%20call. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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