Onboard

/ˌɒnˈbɔːrd/

verbBeginner📊CommonBusiness
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To bring someone onto a mode of transport; or to integrate someone into a new group, company, or system.

/ˌɒnˈbɔːrd/

verbneutralBeginner
Business

To bring someone onto a ship, aircraft, or other means of transport; or to integrate someone into a company or organization.

The airline began to onboard passengers an hour before departure.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're starting a new job! 'Onboarding' is like helping you get comfy and used to the new place, showing you the ropes, and getting you ready to roll. Like getting all the info so you can understand your new role!

👶 For kids: To get on a bus or plane. Also, when a new kid joins your class, it means helping them learn the rules and make friends.

More Examples

2

The company will onboard the new hires next Monday.

3

The customer onboarding process was streamlined to improve efficiency.

How It's Used

Transportation

"Passengers are being onboarded onto the plane."

Human Resources

"The new employees will be onboarded next week."

2

Located or existing on a ship, aircraft, or other form of transportation; or referring to someone already within a group or system.

/ˌɒnˈbɔːrd/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Technology

Located on a ship, aircraft, train, or other vehicle; also, related to someone already part of a group or system.

The passengers are all onboard.

💡 Simply: If you're 'onboard,' it means you're either physically on a vehicle, like a plane, or you're part of a team or a plan. You're in it!

👶 For kids: Being on a plane, boat, or train. Also, being part of a team or doing what's planned.

More Examples

2

The onboard entertainment system provided a wide selection of movies.

3

The project team is onboard with the proposed changes.

How It's Used

Transportation

"All onboard personnel are requested to wear their life jackets."

Technology

"The software includes an onboard navigation system."

Tip:Imagine you are already on a board or part of a system.

Idioms & expressions

Get onboard

To agree with or support a plan or idea.

"We need to get everyone onboard with the new strategy to ensure its success."

From "on" + "board." Originally referred to being on a ship's board, meaning being on the ship. Later, extended to other forms of transportation and then metaphorically to include participation in a group or system.

The term originally emerged in nautical contexts, referring to being on a ship. Its use expanded with the advent of air travel and other forms of transport before being adopted by the business and technology sectors.

Memory tip

Think of getting ON a BOARD (ship/plane/company).

Word Origin

LanguageEnglish
Original meaning

"On + board"

onboard processonboard trainingonboard systemget onboard

Common misspellings

on boardon-board

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written