Why are portholes so called when they also appear on the starboard side?

Question

Why are portholes so called when they also appear on the starboard side?

Answer 1

Derived from the french word 'Porte' meaning door or opening

Answer 2

william called it right. They were called Portals. But over the years, it kind of slanged into the improper term Port holes.

Answer 3

Port holes, because they are a port you can look out of.

Answer 4

Well I think the correct terminology is Portals not portholes. Portal being something to look out of or go through. Look it up in the dictionary for the proper definition.