aboard

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈbȯrd How to pronounce aboard (audio)
1
: alongside
2
a
: on, onto, or within a vehicle (such as a car or ship)
b
: in or into a group, association, or organization
her second promotion since coming aboard
3
baseball : on base

aboard

2 of 2

preposition

: on, onto, within
—usually used with reference to vehicles
go aboard ship
aboard a plane

Examples of aboard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb or adjective
Because of this closeness, many at CNN seem relieved that Thompson will stay aboard. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026 Variety’s Clayton Davis was one of the first pundits to highlight this possibility, and as YCSE has steadily amassed buzz, others are jumping aboard. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Preposition
Travelers have named their favorite cruise lines for sailing aboard some of the biggest ships at sea. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Seven women are ordained as Catholic priests aboard a boat on the Danube River on June 29, 2009. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aboard

Word History

Etymology

Adverb or adjective

Middle English abord, probably in part borrowed from Middle French a bord, a bort "on board," in part from Middle English a- a- entry 1 + bord "board, side of a ship" — more at board entry 1

Preposition

Middle English abord, derivative of abord aboard entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aboard was in the 14th century

Rhymes for aboard

See All Rhymes for aboard

Browse Nearby Words

abo
aboard
ABO blood group
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aboard. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aboard

1 of 2 adverb
ə-ˈbōrd How to pronounce aboard (audio)
-ˈbȯrd
: on, onto, or within a vehicle (as a car, ship, or airplane)

aboard

2 of 2 preposition
: on or into especially as a passenger
go aboard ship
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