verb

board

bawd

verb

To get onto a ship, plane, train, or other vehicle to travel.

"Passengers were asked to board the plane by row number."

"We boarded the ferry just before it pulled away from the dock."

To provide or receive regular meals and a place to sleep, usually for payment.

"The school boards students from overseas during term time."

noun

A flat, thin piece of wood or similar rigid material.

"He nailed a board over the broken window."

A group of people who officially manage or advise a company or organization.

"The board approved the new budget on Tuesday."

"She was appointed to the board of directors last year."

How to Use Board

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a plank of wood, a company's governing committee, or getting onto a vehicle.

Common pairings

board a plane board of directors room and board

boarded past tense, boards plural, Boards plural, boards singular

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Passengers were asked to _____ the plane by row number.

From Old English bord, meaning both "plank" and "table." Senses like "meals" and "committee" developed by association with sitting around a table.

hoard aboard onboard keyboard cupboard outboard seaboard backboard starboard cardboard surfboard clipboard