What does teleport mean?
Teleport means to move from one place to another instantaneously, without crossing the physical distance that normally separates the two locations. It is used both transitively, as when a machine teleports a traveler, and intransitively, as when someone teleports out of a room. In science fiction, fantasy, and games, the word commonly refers to a technological device, magical power, or special effect that produces such a sudden relocation. Outside those contexts, teleport is usually informal or figurative, describing someone or something that arrives unexpectedly quickly. The verb can also imply the disappearance of an ordinary journey, making it useful for describing movement that seems effortless or instantaneous. Although the word shares its form with the noun, that noun is relatively uncommon and often appears in discussions of fictional travel devices or the act of teleporting itself. Teleport is closely associated with modern technological and fantastic ideas, but its elements connect it to the older vocabulary of carrying and transporting.
To move a person, object, or oneself instantaneously from one place to another, without traversing the intervening space.
"The rogue scientist teleported the experimental device into the chamber."
Often used in science fiction, fantasy, and games; figurative uses emphasize unusually fast or effortless movement.
A device, power, or process that enables a person or object to be relocated instantaneously.
"The abandoned complex contained a teleport that could cross interstellar distances."
The noun is much less common than the verb and occurs chiefly in fictional, technological, and academic contexts.
The plural is rare; writers usually refer to a teleportation device, a teleportation system, or an act of teleportation instead.
"The manuscript described three teleports between the twin cities."
Teleport makes distance negotiable: the destination matters, but the journey disappears.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does teleport come from?
Teleport was formed in the early twentieth century from the combining form tele-, meaning “far,” and port, associated with Latin portare, “to carry.” The construction reflects the idea of carrying something over a great distance without an ordinary journey. Its relatives transport, export, import, and portable belong to the same Latin tradition of carrying or moving, while the tele- element also connects it with words such as telephone and telegraph.
Related word forms
How teleport is actually used
The word is especially common in science fiction, fantasy, video games, and informal descriptions of exceptionally rapid travel. It can also be used figuratively to emphasize the suddenness or ease of a change in location.
Easily confused with teleport
Teleporting physically relocates a person or object, whereas telepathy involves communicating thoughts or information without spoken words.