port of entry

American

noun

port.

port of entry British

noun

law an airport, harbour, etc, where customs officials are stationed to supervise the entry into and exit from a country of persons and merchandise

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of port of entry

First recorded in 1830–40

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.

In those days, when weak countries defaulted on their debts or otherwise offended great powers, marines on gunboats seized the customs offices in the ports of entry.

From The Wall Street Journal

It provided for the naturalization of immigrants who wished to become citizens and passport control services at ports of entry.

From The Wall Street Journal

Migrants can start that process once they enter the country, either at a port of entry or within one year of entry, regardless of immigration status.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other Venezuelans entered legally at land ports of entry after scheduling interviews with border officers.

From Los Angeles Times

In the interview, Cuellar credited his political staying power to understanding his sprawling district, which includes Laredo, the busiest U.S. port of entry for trade.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023