Board

Definition

Board is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a flat, thin, rectangular piece of wood or other material, a group of people who manage or oversee an organization, or the meals provided as part of lodging. As a verb, it means to get onto a vehicle, to cover or furnish with boards, or to provide someone with food and lodging.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɔrd/
• Respelling: bawrd

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɔːd/
• Respelling: bawd

The pronunciation of "board" is similar in both American and British English, with slight differences in vowel sounds.

Etymology

The word "board" originates from Old English "bord," meaning "plank, flat surface." It is related to Proto-Germanic "*burdam," and has retained its meaning in modern English to refer to a flat piece of wood, as well as developed meanings associated with management and provisions.

Derivatives

• Boarding (noun/verb)
• Boarder (noun)
• Boardroom (noun)
• Boardwalk (noun)
• Overboard (adverb)

Synonyms

• Panel
• Committee
• Plank

Antonyms

• Vacate
• Exit
• Disembark

Usage

The term "board" is used in various contexts, such as describing a piece of wood, as in "He used a wooden board for the project," or a group of directors, as in "The board approved the new policy." It also has meanings in transportation, such as "to board a plane," indicating getting onto a vehicle.

Related Terms

• Panel: A flat piece of material, often used interchangeably with board.
• Committee: A group of people appointed for a specific function, similar to a board.
• Lodging: Accommodations provided, often along with food.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A flat, rectangular piece of material, typically wood: Used in construction or as a base for various activities.
  • Example: "He nailed the board to the fence."
• A group of people managing or overseeing an organization: Refers to the governing body in businesses or institutions.
  • Example: "The board of directors meets quarterly."
• Food provided as part of lodging: Commonly seen in phrases like "room and board."
  • Example: "The college dorm fees include room and board."

Verb

• To get onto a vehicle: Used in the context of entering or embarking, especially on a ship, plane, or train.
  • Example: "Passengers began to board the plane."
• To provide food and lodging: Describes the act of accommodating someone with meals and a place to stay.
  • Example: "The family agreed to board a student for the semester."
• To cover or furnish with boards: Refers to placing boards on something, often for protection.
  • Example: "They boarded up the windows before the storm."