aboard

UK: əˈbɔːd | US: əˈbɔːrd

Definition

  1. adv. on or into a ship, aircraft, train, or other vehicle

  2. prep. on or onto a ship, aircraft, train, or other vehicle

Structure
a <on, from Old English *on*>board <ship's side, from Old English *bord*>
Etymology

The word "aboard" originates from the combination of the Old English prefix a- (meaning "on") and board (referring to the side of a ship). Over time, "board" expanded metaphorically to represent the vessel itself, and "aboard" came to mean "on or into" any mode of transport. The logic reflects the physical act of stepping onto a ship's deck, later generalized to trains, planes, etc.

Examples

  1. All passengers must be aboard the train by 8:00 AM.

  2. The captain welcomed everyone aboard the cruise ship.

  3. She climbed aboard the bus and found a seat.

  4. The cargo was safely loaded aboard the aircraft.

  5. He jumped aboard the moving truck just in time.