Board

/bɔːrd/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonObject
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A flat, relatively thin piece of wood, or other material, typically rectangular.

/bɔːrd/

nounneutralBeginner
Object

A flat piece of wood

He sanded the wooden board.

💡 Simply: A flat piece of wood.

More Examples

2

The notice board displayed important information.

How It's Used

Construction

"The carpenter used a long board to build the shelf."

Games

"The chessboard was set up for the game."

2

A group of people who govern or manage an organization.

/bɔːrd/

nounneutralIntermediate
Group

A committee or group

The school board voted on the new budget.

💡 Simply: A group in charge.

More Examples

2

She's a member of the advisory board.

How It's Used

Business

"The board of directors met to discuss the company's future."

Governance

"The school board oversees the educational policies."

Tip:Imagine a group sitting around a table - a boardroom table.
3

To provide lodging and meals, usually for a fee.

/bɔːrd/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To provide food

The family boarded the train.

💡 Simply: To provide food and lodging.

More Examples

2

She boarded the cat with a neighbor.

How It's Used

Hospitality

"The hotel boards guests overnight."

Tip:Think of boarding a ship or a plane; providing for a stay.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

on board

Participating or involved in a project or activity.

"We need to get everyone on board with the new plan."

From Old English *bord, meaning 'a plank of wood', ultimately from Proto-Germanic *burdō.

The word 'board' has been used in its various senses since Old English, evolving from its original meaning of a flat piece of wood to encompass its figurative uses in governance and accommodation.

Memory tip

Think of a plank of wood on a ship - a ship's board.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"plank of wood"

board gameblackboardwhiteboardbulletin boardon board

Common misspellings

bordboared

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written