floorboard
UK: ˈflɔːbɔːd | US: ˈflɔːrbɔːrd
n. a long, flat piece of wood used to cover a floor
n. (automotive) the panel forming the floor of a vehicle
The word "floorboard" is a straightforward compound of "floor" (from Old English flōr, meaning "ground surface") and "board" (from Old English bord, meaning "plank" or "flat piece of wood"). The term emerged in the 17th century to describe wooden planks specifically used for flooring. Later, it was adopted in automotive contexts to refer to the vehicle's floor panel. The compound retains the literal sense of its components, making its meaning intuitive.
The old house had creaky floorboards that echoed with every step.
He pried up a loose floorboard to hide the treasure underneath.
Water damage ruined the oak floorboards in the living room.
The mechanic checked the car's floorboard for rust.
She sanded and refinished the floorboards to restore their original shine.