What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harbour
Example
The small fishing village had a beautiful harbour where the boats would come in each day. [harbour: noun]
Example
The captain decided to harbour the ship in the bay until the storm passed. [harbour: verb]
port
Example
The cargo ship arrived at the port to unload its containers. [port: noun]
Example
The city of Rotterdam is one of the busiest ports in the world. [port: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Port is more commonly used than harbour in everyday language, especially in American English. Port is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts related to maritime transportation and trade, while harbour is less common and more specific to sheltering boats and ships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between harbour and port?
Both harbour and port are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
