Larboard vs. Port — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
Larboard, once common in nautical terminology, signifies the left side of a ship when facing forward, whereas "Port" is the modern term for the same side, adopted to avoid confusion with "starboard."
Difference Between Larboard and Port
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Key Differences
Larboard and port both refer to the left side of a ship from the perspective of someone standing on the deck facing the bow (front). The term larboard, however, was used historically, whereas port is the term currently in use. This change was made to avoid confusion at sea, especially in noisy conditions where larboard could be easily mistaken for starboard, which indicates the right side of the ship.
While larboard was predominantly used until the 19th century, the shift to port occurred to enhance clarity in maritime communications. The term port is shorter, distinct, and less likely to be confused with starboard, reducing the risk of navigational errors.
The origin of larboard is believed to derive from the loading side of the ship, which was traditionally the left side when in port. This side was often referred to as the "loading side" or "ladeboard," eventually evolving into larboard. On the other hand, the term port comes from the practice of docking ships on the left side, where the port facilities would be accessible for loading and unloading goods.
Despite their identical reference points on a ship, the transition from larboard to port reflects an important evolution in maritime terminology. It underscores the maritime community's commitment to safety and effective communication. Whereas larboard is now considered archaic and is rarely used, port is universally recognized and taught in nautical education and training programs.
In literature and historical documents, larboard might still be encountered, offering insights into maritime history and the evolution of seafaring language. Conversely, port is used in contemporary maritime literature, navigation courses, and international maritime communication, signifying its acceptance and standardization across the global nautical community.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Era
Historically, until the 19th century
Modern, adopted in the 19th century
Pronunciation Clarity
Easily confused with "starboard"
Clear distinction from "starboard"
Origin
From "ladeboard," related to the loading side
From docking practices, related to the portside
Usage in Communication
Could lead to misunderstandings at sea
Reduces confusion, enhancing safety
Presence in Literature
Found in historical texts
Predominantly in contemporary texts
Compare with Definitions
Larboard
Larboard refers to the left side of a ship facing forward.
The captain ordered the crew to shift the cargo to larboard to balance the ship.
Port
Port denotes the left side of a ship when looking forward.
The sailor painted the port side of the ship red.
Larboard
Fell out of favor due to confusion with "starboard."
The transition from larboard to port was to avoid miscommunication.
Port
Adopted to prevent confusion with "starboard."
Port is now used instead of larboard for clarity.
Larboard
Historically used in maritime navigation.
In old nautical maps, larboard was marked as the side for docking.
Port
Taught in contemporary nautical education.
Cadets learn early that port means the left side of a vessel.
Larboard
Larboard originated from the practice of loading ships.
Larboard side was preferred for loading goods, as it faced the dock.
Port
Universally recognized in maritime communication.
International maritime laws uniformly use the term port.
Larboard
Rarely used in modern navigation.
Nautical students are taught the term port, not larboard, for the left side of a ship.
Port
Relates to docking practices on the left side.
Ships dock with their port side facing the harbor.
Larboard
On the port side.
Port
A port is a maritime facility comprising one or more wharves or loading areas, where ships load and discharge cargo and passengers. Although usually situated on a sea coast or estuary, ports can also be found far inland, such as Hamburg, Manchester and Duluth; these access the sea via rivers or canals.
Larboard
See port2.
Port
A town or city with a harbour or access to navigable water where ships load or unload
The French port of Toulon
Port Elizabeth
Larboard
The left side of a ship, looking from the stern forward to the bow; port side.
Port
A strong, sweet dark red (occasionally brown or white) fortified wine, originally from Portugal, typically drunk as a dessert wine
Tawny ports do not need decanting
They settled down to a final glass of port
Larboard
The left-hand side of a ship to one on board facing toward the bow; port; - opposed to starboard.
Port
The side of a ship or aircraft that is on the left when one is facing forward
The ferry was listing to port
The port side of the aircraft
Larboard
On or pertaining to the left-hand side of a vessel; port; as, the larboard quarter.
Port
An opening in the side of a ship for boarding or loading.
Larboard
The left side of a ship or aircraft to someone facing the bow or nose
Port
A socket in a computer network into which a device can be plugged
A communications port for optional cellular and other wireless modules
Larboard
Located on the left side of a ship or aircraft
Port
A gate or gateway, especially into a walled city.
Port
The position required by an order to port a weapon
Parker had his rifle at the port
Port
A person's carriage or bearing
She has the proud port of a princess
Port
A transfer of software from one system or machine to another
The first port of a commercial database to this operating system
Port
A suitcase or travelling bag
She packed her ports and walked out
Port
Turn (a ship or its helm) to port
The yacht immediately raised all sail and ported her helm
Port
Transfer (software) from one system or machine to another
The software can be ported to practically any platform
Port
Carry or convey
We ported the milk cans from the plentiful water supply of the gym
Port
A place on a waterway with facilities for loading and unloading ships.
Port
A city or town on a waterway with such facilities.
Port
The waterfront district of a city.
Port
A place along a coast that gives ships and boats protection from storms and rough water; a harbor.
Port
A port of entry.
Port
The left-hand side of a ship or aircraft facing forward. Also called larboard.
Port
An opening in a ship's side providing access to the interior.
Port
A porthole.
Port
(Archaic) A cover for a porthole.
Port
An opening, as in a cylinder or valve face, for the passage of steam or fluid.
Port
A hole in an armored vehicle or a fortified structure for viewing or for firing weapons.
Port
An entrance to or exit from a data network.
Port
A connection point for a peripheral device.
Port
(Scots) A gateway or portal, as to a town.
Port
A rich sweet fortified wine.
Port
The position of a rifle or other weapon when ported.
Port
The manner in which one carries oneself; bearing.
Port
Of, relating to, or on the port.
Port
To turn (a craft) or make a shift to the port side
Port the helm.
Ported sharply to avoid a shoal.
Port
(Computers) To modify (software) for use on a different machine or platform.
Port
To hold or carry (a weapon) diagonally across the body, with the muzzle or blade near the left shoulder.
Port
A place on the coast at which ships can shelter, or dock to load and unload cargo or passengers.
Port
A town or city containing such a place, a port city.
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.
Port
(rowing) A sweep rower that primarily rows with an oar on the port side.
Each eight has four ports and four starboards.
Port
An entryway or gate.
Port
An opening or doorway in the side of a ship, especially for boarding or loading; an embrasure through which a cannon may be discharged; a porthole.
Port
A space between two stones wide enough for a delivered stone or bowl to pass through.
Port
An opening where a connection (such as a pipe) is made.
Port
(computing) A logical or physical construct in and from which data are transferred. Computer port (hardware)
Port
(computing) A female connector of an electronic device, into which a cable's male connector can be inserted.
Port
Something used to carry a thing, especially a frame for wicks in candle-making.
Port
(archaic) The manner in which a person carries himself; bearing; deportment; carriage. See also portance.
Port
(military) The position of a weapon when ported; a rifle position executed by throwing the weapon diagonally across the front of the body, with the right hand grasping the small of the stock and the barrel sloping upward and crossing the point of the left shoulder.
Port
(computing) A program that has been adapted, modified, or recoded so that it works on a different platform from the one for which it was created; the act of this adapting.
Gamers can't wait until a port of the title is released on the new system.
The latest port of the database software is the worst since we made the changeover.
Port
A set of files used to build and install a binary executable file from the source code of an application.
Port
A type of very sweet fortified wine, mostly dark red, traditionally made in Portugal.
Port
(Australia) A suitcase or schoolbag.
Port
(nautical) Of or relating to port, the left-hand side of a vessel when facing the bow.
On the port side
Port
To turn or put to the left or larboard side of a ship; said of the helm.
Port your helm!
Port
To carry, bear, or transport. See porter.
Port
(military) To hold or carry (a weapon) with both hands so that it lays diagonally across the front of the body, with the barrel or similar part near the left shoulder and the right hand grasping the small of the stock; or, to throw (the weapon) into this position on command.
Port arms!
Port
To adapt, modify, or create a new version of, a program so that it works on a different platform. Porting (computing)
Port
To carry or transfer (an existing telephone number) from one telephone service provider to another.
Port
To transfer a voucher or subsidy from one jurisdiction to another.
Port
A dark red or purple astringent wine made in Portugal. It contains a large percentage of alcohol.
Port
A place where ships may ride secure from storms; a sheltered inlet, bay, or cove; a harbor; a haven. Used also figuratively.
Peering in maps for ports and piers and roads.
We are in port if we have Thee.
Port
In law and commercial usage, a harbor where vessels are admitted to discharge and receive cargoes, from whence they depart and where they finish their voyages.
Port
A passageway; an opening or entrance to an inclosed place; a gate; a door; a portal.
Him I accuseThe city ports by this hath entered.
Form their ivory port the cherubimForth issuing.
Port
An opening in the side of a vessel; an embrasure through which cannon may be discharged; a porthole; also, the shutters which close such an opening.
Her ports being within sixteen inches of the water.
Port
A passageway in a machine, through which a fluid, as steam, water, etc., may pass, as from a valve to the interior of the cylinder of a steam engine; an opening in a valve seat, or valve face.
Port
The manner in which a person bears himself; deportment; carriage; bearing; demeanor; hence, manner or style of living; as, a proud port.
And of his port as meek as is a maid.
The necessities of pomp, grandeur, and a suitable port in the world.
Port
The larboard or left side of a ship (looking from the stern toward the bow); as, a vessel heels to port. See Note under Larboard. Also used adjectively.
Port
To carry; to bear; to transport.
They are easily ported by boat into other shires.
Port
To throw, as a musket, diagonally across the body, with the lock in front, the right hand grasping the small of the stock, and the barrel sloping upward and crossing the point of the left shoulder; as, to port arms.
Began to hem him round with ported spears.
Port
To turn or put to the left or larboard side of a ship; - said of the helm, and used chiefly in the imperative, as a command; as, port your helm.
Port
A place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
Port
Sweet dark-red dessert wine originally from Portugal
Port
An opening (in a wall or ship or armored vehicle) for firing through
Port
The left side of a ship or aircraft to someone facing the bow or nose
Port
(computer science) computer circuit consisting of the hardware and associated circuitry that links one device with another (especially a computer and a hard disk drive or other peripherals)
Port
Transfer data from one computer to another via a cable that links connecting ports
Port
Put or turn on the left side, of a ship;
Port the helm
Port
Bring to port;
The captain ported the ship at night
Port
Land at or reach a port;
The ship finally ported
Port
Turn or go to the port or left side, of a ship;
The big ship was slowly porting
Port
Carry, bear, convey, or bring;
The small canoe could be ported easily
Port
Carry or hold with both hands diagonally across the body, especially of weapons;
Port a rifle
Port
Drink port;
We were porting all in the club after dinner
Port
Located on the left side of a ship or aircraft
Common Curiosities
Why was larboard replaced by port?
Larboard was replaced by port to avoid confusion with "starboard," enhancing clarity in maritime communication.
What is the significance of port in maritime terms?
Port signifies the left side of a ship and is crucial for navigation and docking practices.
What does larboard mean?
Larboard refers to the left side of a ship when facing the bow.
How did sailors historically signal the larboard side?
Historically, the larboard side might have been marked or signaled by specific lanterns or flags.
Is larboard still used today?
Larboard is largely considered archaic and is not used in modern nautical terminology.
How can I remember the difference between port and starboard?
Remember that port and left both have four letters, while starboard and right are longer words.
Can the term port refer to anything else in nautical contexts?
Yes, "port" also refers to harbor facilities where ships dock and are serviced.
What was the original purpose of using larboard?
Larboard was used to designate the left side of a ship, traditionally the side for loading.
What are the challenges with using larboard in modern navigation?
The main challenge is the potential for confusion with starboard, which could lead to navigational errors.
How has the adoption of port improved maritime safety?
It has improved safety by providing clear, distinct terminology that reduces the risk of miscommunication.
Were there any specific incidents that led to the change from larboard to port?
The change was more about preventive measures for safety rather than a response to specific incidents.
Why is port called port?
Port is called so due to the tradition of ships docking on their left side, where the port facilities would be.
Are there any common phrases or mnemonics to remember port and starboard?
A common mnemonic is "Port has four letters, so does left."
How do modern navigation tools reflect the change from larboard to port?
Modern navigation tools exclusively use "port" to refer to the left side of a vessel, aligning with global maritime communication standards.
Is there a specific color associated with port and starboard?
Yes, port is associated with the color red, and starboard with green, used in navigation lights.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
