noun

motherboard

MUHTH-bawrd

Quiz me More like this

Motherboard (noun) means the main circuit board inside a computer, connecting the processor, memory, and other components. Example: “A faulty motherboard was causing the computer to randomly shut down.”

noun

The main circuit board inside a computer, connecting the processor, memory, and other components.

"A faulty motherboard was causing the computer to randomly shut down."

"He upgraded the motherboard to support a newer processor."

How to use motherboard

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe central circuit board that everything else in a computer connects to.

Common pairings

computer motherboard replace the motherboard

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like motherboard.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: motherboards

Test yourself on “motherboard” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A faulty _____ was causing the computer to randomly shut down.

Etymology

A compound of "mother" and "board", in use since the mid-1960s, on the idea that other circuit boards plug into it.

· First attested 1960

Class of 1960 motherboard joined the language around 1960.

bogart Camelot cellulite cyborg dickhead

See the full Class of 1960 →

Rhymes for motherboard

board hoard aboard onboard keyboard cupboard outboard seaboard backboard starboard cardboard surfboard

See all rhymes for motherboard →

Frequently asked questions

What does “motherboard” mean?

The word “motherboard” means the main circuit board inside a computer, connecting the processor, memory, and other components. In plain terms, the central circuit board that everything else in a computer connects to.

How do you pronounce “motherboard”?

“Motherboard” is pronounced MUHTH-bawrd (/ˈmʌðɚˌbɔɹd/ in IPA).

How do you use “motherboard” in a sentence?

Here is “motherboard” used in a sentence: “A faulty motherboard was causing the computer to randomly shut down.”

What part of speech is “motherboard”?

“Motherboard” is a noun.

Where does the word “motherboard” come from?

The word “motherboard” dates back to around 1960. A compound of "mother" and "board", in use since the mid-1960s, on the idea that other circuit boards plug into it.