porting

¹ American  

[pawr-ting] / ˈpɔr tɪŋ /

noun

Computers.

1. the process of rewriting the source code of a program in a different programming language, or modifying it to run on a different hardware platform or operating system.

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porting ² American  

[pawr-ting] / ˈpɔr tɪŋ /

noun

Automotive, Machinery.

1. the changing of the size, shape, or location of the intake and exhaust ports in an internal-combustion engine, generally to improve performance.

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Etymology

Origin of porting¹

First recorded in 1970–75; port ⁵ ( def. ) (in the sense “to rewrite a source code”) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Origin of porting²

First recorded in 1955–60; port ⁴ (in the sense “opening on a cylinder surface”) + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Now, it’s just a matter of porting that interest over to the big screen — or reacquainting audiences with that theatrical comedy experience, filmmakers hope.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

To reduce that risk, AT&T advises also setting up a unique passcode that’s needed to prevent significant account changes such as porting phone numbers to another carrier.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2024

It seems natural that once these games achieve this impressive narrative space, you can start to think about porting them over.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2023

From a technological standpoint, porting a phone number from one plan or service to another is usually pretty easy.

From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2022

"Nor'west by west half west, sir," the helmsman repeated, porting his helm a trifle.

From The Boy With the U. S. Life-Savers by Rolt-Wheeler, Francis