BOARD

Definition of BOARD

BOARD Noun and Verb

Board is a noun and a verb with various meanings across different contexts. As a noun, it generally refers to a flat, rigid surface or a group of people responsible for decision-making. As a verb, it can refer to the act of getting onto a mode of transportation or attaching something to a surface.

BOARD as a noun

As a noun, board commonly refers to a flat, rigid, and typically rectangular surface made from wood, metal, or other materials. It can be used in a variety of settings, from construction to recreation. For example, a wooden board might be used for flooring or as part of a piece of furniture. It can also describe a surface used for specific tasks, such as a blackboard in a classroom or a chalkboard used for writing. Board in this sense denotes a solid surface on which actions or activities occur, such as in sports (e.g., a surfboard or skateboard).

A Group of People or Decision-Makers: In the context of organizations and governance, board refers to a group of people who are responsible for making decisions or overseeing activities within an institution. Common examples include the “board of directors” of a company or the “board of trustees” at a nonprofit organization. These boards are typically responsible for setting policies, guiding the direction of the organization, and making high-level decisions. The term can also be used in reference to various advisory groups or committees, such as a school board or a city council board, where members have decision-making power over certain issues.

A Place or Group for Lodging or Meals: Board can also refer to the provision of lodging or meals, often in the context of an arrangement where one receives accommodation and meals, typically in exchange for payment. This is often seen in terms like “room and board,” where a person pays for both a place to stay and food to eat. Historically, the term was also used in the context of meals provided by an inn or hostel, where “boarding” would refer to staying in a place that offered meals as part of the accommodation service.

BOARD as a verb

As a verb, board refers to the act of getting onto or entering a mode of transportation, such as a plane, train, bus, or ship. For example, “boarding the plane” refers to the process of entering the airplane before takeoff. It can also be used in the context of embarking on a journey, such as “boarding a cruise ship” or “boarding the bus for a trip.” The verb emphasizes the action of entering or preparing to depart on a form of travel.

To Attach or Fix to a Surface: In addition to its meaning of entering a vehicle, board as a verb can also mean to attach, affix, or mount something to a surface, usually in a temporary or fixed manner. For instance, someone might “board up” windows to protect them during a storm, or “boarding” a surface can refer to covering or reinforcing it with boards. This usage emphasizes the action of securing or enclosing something by placing boards on it, such as in construction or protective measures.

Board in Games and Recreational Contexts: In the world of games and recreation, board also refers to the surface or platform on which certain games are played. This includes classic games like chess or checkers, which are played on a “game board.” It can also refer to the structure or equipment used in sports or activities, such as a snowboard, surfboard, or skateboard. In these contexts, the term board is used to describe a flat surface or object that facilitates a particular activity, often with a focus on movement, competition, or recreation.

Board in Business and Corporate Contexts: In business, board is often associated with the highest level of decision-making in a company or organization. A board of directors is a collective group responsible for overseeing the company’s activities, making major decisions, and protecting the interests of shareholders. The role of the board can vary depending on the organization’s size and structure, but its primary purpose is to provide leadership and ensure that the company follows its mission and goals. Board members are typically elected or appointed and may come from various backgrounds, including finance, law, and industry expertise.

Board in Educational Contexts: Board also has significance in educational settings. The “school board” is an elected body that governs and makes decisions regarding educational policies, curricula, and other important matters related to the operation of schools. Additionally, a “chalkboard” or “whiteboard” in classrooms serves as a central tool for teachers to write or display information to students. These boards serve a practical purpose in the teaching and learning process, enabling communication and interaction in the classroom environment.

In conclusion, board serves multiple functions as both a noun and a verb, with meanings that span a wide range of contexts, from physical surfaces to decision-making groups, and from transportation to recreational activities. Whether referring to a flat, rigid surface, a governing body, or the action of boarding a vehicle, board is a highly versatile term used across industries, professions, and daily life. Its application in games, business, education, and travel shows the adaptability of the word, making it essential in both literal and figurative language. The term emphasizes structure, organization, and action, reflecting its broad utility and importance in modern vocabulary.

Examples of BOARD in a sentence

BOARD as a noun in a sentence

• He nailed a wooden board over the broken window.
• The chess board was set up for a competitive match.
• The cutting board in the kitchen was made of bamboo.
• She presented her idea to the board of directors.
• The school board approved the new curriculum.
• He posted the announcement on the bulletin board.
• The surfer rode the waves on his new board.
• The construction workers carried a heavy board to the site.

BOARD as a verb in a sentence

• The passengers began to board the plane.
• We will board the train at the next station.
• The sailors were ordered to board the enemy ship.
• She decided to board her dog at a kennel while she traveled.
• The students board at the school dormitory during the semester.
• He was invited to board at his uncle’s house for the summer.
• The security officers prevented unauthorized individuals from boarding the ship.
• The family chose to board their horse at a nearby stable.

Origin of BOARD

The term board has a rich and versatile etymology, reflecting its development from a simple flat surface to a word used in many contexts today, both literal and figurative.

Semantic Context: Board is primarily a noun that refers to a flat, thin, rectangular piece of material, often wood, used in construction, furniture, and various other applications. It can also refer to a group of people who manage an organization, a surface for games, or a place where food is served. As a verb, board means to get onto a vehicle, such as a train, ship, or plane, or to supply with meals.

• Etymological Roots: The word board comes from the Old French “bord” (meaning “edge, side, or plank”), which itself derives from the Late Latin “bordum” (meaning “side or plank of a ship”). This Latin term is thought to be from a Germanic root, such as Old High German “bort” or Old English “bord” (meaning “plank or board”), reflecting the concept of a flat, wooden piece used in construction, particularly in shipbuilding. The root word is also linked to Proto-Indo-European bher- (meaning “to cut” or “to separate”), which connects to the idea of dividing material into flat pieces.
• Historical Development: The use of board in English dates back to the 12th century, initially referring to flat wooden surfaces used in building, construction, or shipbuilding. Over time, the word expanded to cover a range of applications, from board used in furniture and architectural structures to board as a place for serving meals, as in “room and board.” By the 14th century, board also began to be used in the sense of “a group of people” (e.g., a board of directors), reflecting the idea of a governing body sitting together around a flat surface to deliberate. The verb form to board (meaning to enter or embark upon a vehicle or ship) emerged in the 16th century, derived from the idea of stepping onto the board or surface of a ship.
• Cultural and Scientific Applications: Board is a key term in many fields. In business and governance, a board refers to a group of individuals who oversee and make decisions for an organization, company, or institution. The concept of boarding extends to transportation, where it refers to getting onto a vehicle such as a plane, bus, or train. In gaming, a board refers to the flat surface on which games are played, such as in chess or Monopoly. In food and hospitality, board can refer to the provision of meals or lodging, as in “full board” or “room and board.” The word is also used in technology, where board can describe a printed circuit board (PCB), which is the foundation for many electronic devices.
• Current Usage: Today, board is used in a wide variety of contexts. As a noun, it can refer to any flat, thin surface, such as a wooden board, a chalkboard, or a whiteboard. It is commonly used to describe surfaces for games (e.g., a game board), work (e.g., a cutting board), or transportation (e.g., a boarding pass). In business and governance, a board is a group of people in charge of decision-making, often referred to as a “board of directors.” The verb to board is widely used in the context of traveling, indicating the action of entering a vehicle, particularly in air travel (e.g., “boarding a flight”). Additionally, board is frequently used in terms of accommodation and meals, such as in phrases like “boarding school” or “full board.”

The term board has expanded over centuries from its original meaning of a flat wooden piece to encompass a broad range of uses in different contexts, from governance and transportation to games and technology. Its enduring versatility reflects its central role in both practical and metaphorical settings, where it continues to serve as a foundation or surface for various activities.