boards
6 synonyms for boards, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A stage, especially in theatre — as in the phrase "to tread the boards."
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
sideboards
dasher boards
rink wall
How to use boards
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tread the boards
checked into the boards
pass your boards
Etymology
See the etymology at the corresponding lemma form.
Full origin of boards →Frequently asked questions
What does “boards” mean?
The word “boards” means a stage, especially in theatre — as in the phrase "to tread the boards.". In plain terms, depending on context: the stage, a hockey rink's barrier, or professional qualifying exams.
How do you pronounce “boards”?
“Boards” is pronounced bawdz (/bɔːɹdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “boards” in a sentence?
Here is “boards” used in a sentence: “She'd been treading the boards since she was twelve.”
What part of speech is “boards”?
“Boards” is a noun.
Is “boards” a common word?
“Boards” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “boards” have?
“Boards” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stage, especially in theatre — as in the phrase "to tread the boards.".
Why is the wall around an ice hockey rink called 'the boards'?
In ice hockey, 'the boards' refers to the low wall that surrounds the rink and keeps the puck in play. Players are often 'checked into the boards,' meaning pushed against this barrier as part of the game.
Is 'boards' singular or plural when it refers to a theatre stage?
When 'boards' means a stage, it is always used in the plural form, as in 'she has trod the boards for years.' It behaves as a fixed idiomatic expression and is not shortened to a singular 'board' in this sense.
