noun
Uncommon
starboard
STAH-buhd
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.”
noun
1
The right-hand side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward.
"The captain ordered the crew to turn hard to starboard."
verb
1
To steer or turn something to the right side of a vessel.
"The helmsman starboarded the wheel to avoid the rocks."
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).
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "port," the left-hand side of a vessel — an easy way to remember: "port" and "left" both have four letters.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
starboard side
turn to starboard
port and starboard
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Word forms
- Plural
- starboards
- Third person singular
- starboards
- Past tense
- starboarded
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for starboard
board
hoard
aboard
onboard
keyboard
cupboard
outboard
seaboard
backboard
cardboard
surfboard
clipboard
See all 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.
