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noun

motherboard

MUHTH-bawrd

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
1
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

Word forms

motherboards plural

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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.
See the full Class of 1960 →

Rhymes for motherboard

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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial