Portsmouth

American  

[pawrts-muhth, pohrts-] / ˈpɔrts məθ, ˈpoʊrts- /

noun

1. a seaport in S Hampshire, in S England, on the English Channel: chief British naval station.

2. a seaport in SE Virginia: navy yard.

3. a seaport in SE New Hampshire: naval base; Russian-Japanese peace treaty 1905.

4. a city in S Ohio, on the Ohio River.

5. a town in SE Rhode Island.

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Portsmouth British  

/ ˈpɔːtsməθ /

noun

1. Informal name: Pompey.  a port in S England, in Portsmouth unitary authority, Hampshire, on the English Channel: Britain's chief naval base; university (1992). Pop: 187 056 (2001)

2. a unitary authority in S England, in Hampshire. Pop: 188 700 (2003 est). Area: 37 sq km (14 sq miles)

3. a port in SE Virginia, on the Elizabeth River: naval base; shipyards. Pop: 99 617 (2003 est)

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Example Sentences

After the vessel travelled to Portsmouth for medical treatment, the police became involved.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The Lib Dems gained 153 councillors in England, winning control of Stockport and Portsmouth council, and six seats in the Scottish Parliament.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

They won control of Stockport and Portsmouth, where they were already the largest party, picking up seats from Labour.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Take Bradley Coombes, from Portsmouth, who was just 23 when he died from bowel cancer.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

But as he set the familiar course for Portsmouth, the master of the Nancy had broken the law.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis