board
noun (countable)
UK/bɔːd/US/bɔrd/
a group of people who manage or direct a company, organization, or institution
Example Sentences
The board voted unanimously to approve the new marketing strategy.
She presented her proposal to the board for further consideration.
He was invited to join the board of directors after several years of loyal service.
The school board is responsible for setting education policies in the district.
Financial reports must be reviewed by the board every quarter.
The board met behind closed doors to discuss sensitive legal matters.
After much debate, the board decided to implement sweeping changes, hoping to modernize the company and adapt more quickly to market demands.
When disagreements arose, the board members worked hard to find common ground, ensuring the organization’s mission remained at the forefront of every decision.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/bɔːd/US/bɔrd/
to get on or enter a vehicle such as a train, ship, or airplane; also, to pay for or provide lodging and meals in someone’s house
Example Sentences
Passengers were told to board the airplane through Gate 32.
He decided to board at a local family’s home during his semester abroad.
The conductor announced that it was time to board the train to Edinburgh.
When she moved to the city, she chose to board at a student hostel near campus.
All visitors must have a valid ticket to board the cruise ship.
They will board their pets at a nearby kennel while traveling overseas.
After a brief layover, everyone rushed to board the second flight, hoping to secure overhead space for their carry-on luggage before it ran out.
Some students find it more convenient to board with a host family, experiencing the local culture firsthand and building meaningful connections in a new environment.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A flat plank or a group providing oversight and decisions.“Board” has several uses, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it can refer to a flat piece of wood, such as a plank in carpentry or a surface used in games (like a chessboard). It can also describe an official group responsible for oversight or management, such as a board of directors in a company. In educational settings, you might encounter a chalkboard or whiteboard for writing lessons and notes.As a verb, “to board” often means to enter or get onto a vehicle—like a plane, train, or ship—or to pay for lodging, including meals (as in “room and board”). Additionally, “board up” means to cover or seal openings (like windows) with boards, usually for protection or security. Understanding the context is crucial to avoid confusion. In corporate or organizational contexts, “board” usually implies a group of decision-makers or supervisors. In everyday conversation, it might relate to transportation (e.g., “I’m going to board the train at noon”) or living arrangements (e.g., “They provide room and board at the hostel”). This versatility makes “board” a common, yet varied, term in English usage. By identifying the specific meaning—flat plank, official group, or act of entering—you can use it properly in both formal and informal settings, ensuring clarity for your audience.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, a variety of alternative terms can replace “board.” If you are referring to a flat piece of wood, consider “plank,” “panel,” or “slab.” Each offers slight variations in meaning; for instance, “plank” emphasizes thickness and structural integrity, while “panel” can suggest a thinner or more decorative piece. For the sense of an official group overseeing operations, you might use “committee,” “council,” or “commission,” all of which point to a decision-making body. When discussing the action of getting onto a vehicle, terms like “embark,” “get on,” or “go aboard” might be suitable synonyms, depending on the level of formality you need.These alternatives allow you to fine-tune your language and avoid repetition. For example, in corporate communications, “committee” or “council” might fit better to describe a specialized group working toward a specific goal. In everyday travel contexts, “embark” or “get on” can make your meaning clear. Each substitute carries subtle connotations, so choose the one that most accurately conveys your message while matching your desired tone. In doing so, you help maintain clarity and engagement, whether in casual conversation, formal writing, or professional documents.
Writing
When writing about this concept, it’s important to establish context immediately so readers understand which sense of “board” you mean—physical plank, official group, or action of boarding a vehicle. If referencing a flat piece of wood, specify its purpose (construction, display, or game). When addressing an organization’s management or governance, detail membership and responsibilities so readers see how that group influences operations. If you’re describing the verb form, clarify the vehicle type (plane, train, or bus) or the notion of providing lodging.Use precise, straightforward language. For instance: “The board of directors meets quarterly,” versus “He hammered a board into place,” or “They boarded the ferry at sunrise.” Each phrasing points to a unique application. Incorporating relevant synonyms (“plank,” “committee,” “embark,” etc.) can prevent monotony and highlight nuances. By focusing on context, you build clarity and coherence, making your text accessible and easily understood. Keep your audience in mind, and be explicit about your meaning whenever “board” appears, especially if multiple interpretations could arise in your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “board” commonly arises in situations like traveling (“We need to board the train soon”) or paying for lodging (“The hostel includes room and board”). If you work in a corporate environment, you might mention your “board meeting” or talk about how “the board” reached a decision—referring to those responsible for overseeing the company. When you’re relaxing with friends, you might discuss playing a “board game,” highlighting yet another meaning of the word.Staying casual means focusing on simplicity and clarity. If someone says “I’m on board,” they often mean “I agree” or “I’m willing to participate,” rather than referring to physically stepping onto something. If confusion arises, a quick clarification like “Do you mean you’re okay with the plan?” can help. In day-to-day speech, the key is to ensure listeners understand which sense of the word you mean—whether it’s about the plank, the group of decision-makers, or entering a vehicle. This awareness helps conversations flow more smoothly and avoids unintentional mix-ups.
Etymology
The word “board” in English comes from the Old English term “bord,” originally referring to a plank or flat surface. Over time, “bord” took on broader meanings, from a table where people gathered to share meals, to the meal itself (as in “room and board”) and eventually the group of people meeting at that table (e.g., a board of directors). With maritime traditions, “to board” evolved to signify stepping onto a ship via a plank, which naturally extended to other forms of transportation.This transformation of “board” highlights how language adapts to social and cultural needs. As wooden surfaces found different functions—building structures, displaying messages, playing games, and offering seating during meals—English speakers repurposed the same root word. Likewise, when officials started convening at a table to make decisions, “board” carried over to label that governing body. Today, “board” seamlessly ties together carpentry, travel, dining, and corporate or administrative decisions, reflecting centuries of linguistic evolution.