Aboard vs. Board — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Aboard" refers to being on or inside a vehicle, ship, or aircraft, typically implying entry or presence, while "board" refers to a flat piece of material or a group of people convened for a specific purpose.
Difference Between Aboard and Board
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The term "aboard" is used to indicate being on or within a vehicle, often related to ships, aircraft, or trains, suggesting the action of entering or being inside these modes of transport. In contrast, "board" can refer to a physical object, such as a flat piece of wood or other material, used for various purposes like construction or sports, or metaphorically to a committee of individuals, such as a board of directors.
When using "aboard" in context, it often accompanies verbs that describe movement or placement, such as 'climb aboard' or 'welcome aboard'. This usage highlights the transition from not being on the vehicle to being inside it. On the other hand, "board" as a noun represents either a rigid, flat surface used for specific tasks like cutting or a collective group of people appointed to govern or manage an organization.
The expression "all aboard," commonly heard in transportation settings, signifies that all passengers should be on the vehicle, ready for departure. Meanwhile, "board" as in "board of directors" emphasizes the structured and regulatory roles these members play in the governance and strategic direction of corporations or organizations.
Safety instructions might instruct passengers to get "aboard" safety boats or aircraft in emergencies, focusing on the protective and procedural context. Conversely, "on board" in the context of agreeing or being in agreement with a plan or idea uses "board" metaphorically to convey inclusion and consensus.
In a practical sense, "aboard" is straightforward, relating primarily to the act of entering or being on a transport vehicle. "Board" has a broader application, from everyday objects like a diving board to abstract concepts like being on board with an idea, showing its versatility in both physical and conceptual forms.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Being on or inside a vehicle
Flat piece of material or group of people
Usage
Indicates presence inside vehicles
Used for physical boards or committees
Contexts
Transportation, safety protocols
Construction, sports, corporate governance
Common Phrases
"Climb aboard", "All aboard"
"Diving board", "Board of directors"
Metaphorical
Rarely used metaphorically
Often used metaphorically (e.g., ideas)
Compare with Definitions
Aboard
Within a vehicle as part of a group.
The last call for passengers to come aboard was announced.
Board
Versatile in application, from physical objects to group settings.
The announcement board was updated daily.
Aboard
Used with vehicles to suggest entry or presence.
Once everyone is aboard, we'll start the tour.
Board
A flat piece of material used for various purposes.
He cut the vegetables on a wooden board.
Aboard
On or into a ship, aircraft, train, or other vehicle.
She stepped aboard the cruise ship with excitement.
Board
A group of individuals forming a governing body.
The board of directors met to discuss the policy changes.
Aboard
Implies both entry and presence in transportation contexts.
They were aboard the plane when it hit turbulence.
Board
Used in various sports and activities (diving board).
The children lined up to jump off the diving board.
Aboard
Often associated with travel and safety instructions.
Instructions were given to get aboard the lifeboats.
Board
Symbolic of agreement or cooperation in plans.
Are you on board with the new project proposal?
Aboard
On board a ship, train, aircraft, or other passenger vehicle.
Board
A long flat slab of sawed lumber; a plank.
Aboard
At the side; alongside.
Board
A long flat slab of another material, used as a structural member.
Aboard
In or into a group, organization, or business
Brought aboard two new designers.
Board
A flat, rigid, often rectangular piece of material used as a surface upon which to work
A cutting board.
An ironing board.
Aboard
(Baseball) On base.
Board
A blackboard.
Aboard
On board of; on; in.
Board
A bulletin board.
Aboard
On board; into or within a ship or boat; hence, into or within a railway car.
We all climbed aboard.
Board
A scoreboard.
Aboard
On or onto a horse, a camel, etc.
To sling a saddle aboard.
Board
A toteboard.
Aboard
(baseball) On base.
He doubled with two men aboard, scoring them both.
Board
A flat piece of material designed or equipped to be ridden as a sport, especially a snowboard, skateboard, or surfboard.
Aboard
Into a team, group, or company.
The office manager welcomed him aboard.
Board
A diving board.
Aboard
(nautical) Alongside.
The ships came close aboard to pass messages.
The captain laid his ship aboard the enemy's ship.
Board
A backboard.
Aboard
On board of; onto or into a ship, boat, train, plane.
We all went aboard the ship.
Board
A flat, rigid piece of material on which a game is played, such as a checkerboard or chessboard.
Aboard
Onto a horse.
Board
A table at which official meetings are held; a council table.
Aboard
(obsolete) Across; athwart; alongside.
Board
An organized body of administrators or investigators
A board of trustees.
A board of directors.
Aboard
On board; into or within a ship or boat; hence, into or within a railway car.
Board
A table, especially one set for serving food.
Aboard
Alongside; as, close aboard.
Board
Food or meals considered as a whole
Board and lodging.
Aboard
On board of; as, to go aboard a ship.
Board
(Sports) The wooden structure enclosing an area for skating, such as the ice on which hockey is played, or enclosing a playing area, as for indoor soccer.
Aboard
Across; athwart.
Nor iron bands aboardThe Pontic Sea by their huge navy cast.
Board
A theater stage.
Aboard
On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
Board
(Basketball) A rebound.
Aboard
On first or second or third base;
Their second homer with Bob Allison aboard
Board
An electrical-equipment panel.
Aboard
Side by side;
Anchored close aboard another ship
Board
(Computers) A circuit board.
Aboard
Part of a group;
Bill's been aboard for three years now
Board
The side of a ship.
Board
A leeboard.
Board
A centerboard.
Board
(Obsolete) A border or edge.
Board
To cover or close with boards
Board up a broken window.
Board
To furnish with meals in return for pay.
Board
To house where board is furnished
Board a horse at a stable.
Board
To enter or go aboard (a vehicle or ship).
Board
To allow (passengers) on board.
Board
(Nautical) To come alongside (a ship).
Board
(Sports) To force (an opposing hockey player) into the boards with a body check.
Board
(Obsolete) To approach.
Board
To receive meals or food and lodging as a paying customer.
Board
(Sports) To use a snowboard, skateboard, surfboard, or similar item.
Board
A relatively long, wide and thin piece of any material, usually wood or similar, often for use in construction or furniture-making.
Board
A device (e.g., switchboard) containing electrical switches and other controls and designed to control lights, sound, telephone connections, etc.
Board
A flat surface with markings for playing a board game.
Each player starts the game with four counters on the board.
Board
Short for blackboard, whiteboard, chessboard, surfboard, circuit board, message board (on the Internet), etc.
Board
A committee that manages the business of an organization, e.g., a board of directors.
We have to wait to hear back from the board.
Board
(uncountable) Regular meals or the amount paid for them in a place of lodging.
Room and board
Board
(nautical) The side of a ship.
Board
(nautical) The distance a sailing vessel runs between tacks when working to windward.
Board
The wall that surrounds an ice hockey rink.
Board
(archaic) A long, narrow table, like that used in a medieval dining hall.
Board
Paper made thick and stiff like a board, for book covers, etc.; pasteboard.
To bind a book in boards
Board
(video games) A level or stage having a particular layout.
Board
A container for holding pre-dealt cards that is used to allow multiple sets of players to play the same cards. Board (duplicate bridge)
Board
A rebound.
Board
(transitive) To step or climb onto or otherwise enter a ship, aircraft, train or other conveyance.
It is time to board the aircraft.
Board
(transitive) To provide someone with meals and lodging, usually in exchange for money.
To board one's horse at a livery stable
Board
(transitive) To receive meals and lodging in exchange for money.
Board
To capture an enemy ship by going alongside and grappling her, then invading her with a boarding party
Board
(intransitive) To obtain meals, or meals and lodgings, statedly for compensation
Board
To approach (someone); to make advances to, accost.
Board
To cover with boards or boarding.
To board a house
Board
To hit (someone) with a wooden board.
Board
(transitive) To write something on a board, especially a blackboard or whiteboard.
Board
A piece of timber sawed thin, and of considerable length and breadth as compared with the thickness, - used for building, etc.
Board
A table to put food upon.
Fruit of all kinds . . . She gathers, tribute large, and on the boardHeaps with unsparing hand.
Board
Hence: What is served on a table as food; stated meals; provision; entertainment; - usually as furnished for pay; as, to work for one's board; the price of board.
Board
A table at which a council or court is held.
Both better acquainted with affairs than any other who sat then at that board.
We may judge from their letters to the board.
Board
A square or oblong piece of thin wood or other material used for some special purpose, as, a molding board; a board or surface painted or arranged for a game; as, a chessboard; a backgammon board.
Board
Paper made thick and stiff like a board, for book covers, etc.; pasteboard; as, to bind a book in boards.
Board
The stage in a theater; as, to go upon the boards, to enter upon the theatrical profession.
Board
The border or side of anything.
Board
To cover with boards or boarding; as, to board a house.
Board
To go on board of, or enter, as a ship, whether in a hostile or a friendly way.
You board an enemy to capture her, and a stranger to receive news or make a communication.
Board
To enter, as a railway car.
Board
To furnish with regular meals, or with meals and lodgings, for compensation; to supply with daily meals.
Board
To place at board, for compensation; as, to board one's horse at a livery stable.
Board
To obtain meals, or meals and lodgings, statedly for compensation; as, he boards at the hotel.
We are several of us, gentlemen and ladies, who board in the same house.
Board
To approach; to accost; to address; hence, to woo.
I will board her, though she chide as loudAs thunder when the clouds in autumn crack.
Board
A committee having supervisory powers;
The board has seven members
Board
A flat piece of material designed for a special purpose;
He nailed boards across the windows
Board
A stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes
Board
A board on which information can be displayed to public view
Board
A flat portable surface (usually rectangular) designed for board games;
He got out the board and set up the pieces
Board
Food or meals in general;
She sets a fine table
Room and board
Board
Electrical device consisting of an insulated panel containing switches and dials and meters for controlling other electrical devices;
He checked the instrument panel
Suddenly the board lit up like a Christmas tree
Board
A printed circuit that can be inserted into expansion slots in a computer to increase the computer's capabilities
Board
A table at which meals are served;
He helped her clear the dining table
A feast was spread upon the board
Board
Get on board of (trains, buses, ships, aircraft, etc.)
Board
Live and take one's meals at or in;
She rooms in an old boarding house
Board
Lodge and take meals (at)
Board
Provide food and lodging (for);
The old lady is boarding three men
Common Curiosities
What does "on board" mean in a business context?
In business, "on board" typically means being in agreement with or part of a plan or project.
How do "aboard" and "on board" differ?
"Aboard" generally refers to the physical act of being on a vehicle, whereas "on board" can also mean agreement or participation in an idea or plan.
What does it mean to be aboard?
To be aboard means to be on or inside a vehicle, typically in the context of ships, aircraft, or trains.
What types of boards are there?
Types of boards include physical boards like a chalkboard or cutting board, and organized groups like a board of directors or an advisory board.
Can "aboard" be used outside of transportation?
While primarily used in transportation, "aboard" can also figuratively describe joining into any new venture or group.
Is a board always made of wood?
No, boards can be made of various materials, including wood, plastic, metal, or composite materials, depending on their use.
What does it mean to have someone on board?
Having someone on board means that the person agrees with or is part of a particular plan, idea, or project.
What responsibilities do board members have?
Board members are responsible for overseeing the management of a company or organization, making strategic decisions, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
What is a typical phrase involving "aboard" in travel?
A typical travel-related phrase is "Please ensure you are aboard the vehicle before departure."
How is "board" used in sports?
In sports, "board" can refer to equipment used in activities, such as a diving board or a snowboard.
What are examples of boards in daily life?
Examples include a bulletin board for announcements or a board game for entertainment.
Can "aboard" apply to buildings?
Typically, "aboard" is not used for buildings; it is specific to vehicles like ships, planes, and trains.
How do you use "board" in a sentence about decision-making?
The board decided to implement the new strategy starting next quarter.
What is the role of a board in corporate settings?
In corporate settings, a board of directors oversees the company's management, strategic direction, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Are all boards related to business?
No, boards can also refer to physical objects used in daily life, sports, and various activities, not just business-related committees.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Mild vs. Wild
Next Comparison
Steel vs. TitaniumAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
