starboard
Starboard (noun) means the right-hand side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward. Example: “The captain ordered the crew to turn hard to starboard.”
How to use starboard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe right-hand side of a boat, ship, or aircraft, as opposed to "port" (the left side).
Don't confuse with "port," the left-hand side of a vessel — an easy way to remember: "port" and "left" both have four letters.
Word forms
starboarded past tense, starboards plural, starboards plural, starboards singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The captain ordered the crew to turn hard to _____.
Etymology
From Old English stēorbord, meaning "steering side" — ancient ships were steered using an oar mounted on the right side, which is why that side became known as starboard.
Rhymes for starboard
Frequently asked questions
What does “starboard” mean?
The word “starboard” means the right-hand side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward. In plain terms, the right-hand side of a boat, ship, or aircraft, as opposed to "port" (the left side).
How do you pronounce “starboard”?
“Starboard” is pronounced STAH-buhd (/ˈstɑɹ.bɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “starboard” in a sentence?
Here is “starboard” used in a sentence: “The captain ordered the crew to turn hard to starboard.”
What part of speech is “starboard”?
Depending on how it is used, “starboard” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “starboard” come from?
The word “starboard” comes from Old English. From Old English stēorbord, meaning "steering side" — ancient ships were steered using an oar mounted on the right side, which is why that side became known as starboard.
Is “starboard” a common word?
“Starboard” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “starboard” have?
“Starboard” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the right-hand side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward.