port of call

NOUN

stopping place

Synonyms

WEAK

harbor home port port seaport

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With ever-more fractured links to the West, China has become the first port of call for expertise, whether technological, scientific or industrial.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The rerouting around Africa adds time and cost, as the trip is 10 to 15 days longer than through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, depending on the final port of call in Europe.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

I’ve returned to reaching out to humans for professional advice, instead of making AI my first port of call.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

Located just 145 kilometres off the coast of Tunisia, Lampedusa is often the first port of call for migrants from Africa trying to reach Europe in fragile or overcrowded boats.

From Barron's • Oct. 21, 2025

Next port of call, two years hence: the Saturn system.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan