board

UK: bɔːd | US: bɔːrd

Definition

  1. n. a long, thin, flat piece of wood or other hard material

  2. n. a group of people who manage or direct an organization

  3. vt. to get on a vehicle (e.g., ship, plane)

  4. vt. to provide or receive meals and lodging for payment

Structure
board <flat piece of wood, from Old English "bord">
Etymology

The word "board" traces back to Old English bord, meaning "plank, flat surface," likely derived from Proto-Germanic burdam. Its core idea of "flatness" expanded metaphorically over time:

  1. Physical Object: Originally a wooden plank (e.g., "floorboards").
  2. Functional Surfaces: Tables ("board" for meals) → meeting tables ("board of directors").
  3. Action Contexts: Nautical use ("on board" ships) → modern transport ("boarding a plane").
Examples

  1. She nailed the board to the wall to make a shelf.

  2. The school board voted to approve the new curriculum.

  3. Passengers will board the train at platform 3.

  4. He pays $500 a month to board with a local family.

  5. The chess pieces were set up on the wooden board.