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starboard

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ˈstɑːrbɔːrd//

KK: /ˈstɑːrbərd/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the right side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward.


Example

The captain ordered the crew to prepare the starboard side for docking.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you notice the starboard side of the boat has a better view?
Sloth B
Yeah, I saw that! I love how the sunset looks from there.
Sloth A
We should definitely sit on the starboard side for the next trip.
Sloth B
Agreed! It makes everything so much more beautiful.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
right
dexter
starboardside
Antonyms
left
sinister
port
adverb
Definition

To or toward the right side when looking forward, especially on a ship or boat.


Example

The captain ordered the crew to steer starboard to avoid the rocks.


Conversation
Sloth A
Hey, did you see how the boat is leaning to the right?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's definitely tilting toward the starboard side.
Sloth A
I wonder if that's normal while we’re sailing.
Sloth B
noun
Definition

The right side of a ship or aircraft when you are facing forward.


Example

The captain ordered the crew to move to starboard to avoid the obstacle.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that boat on the starboard side?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looked really impressive as it passed by.
Sloth A
I wonder if they have any cool features on the starboard deck.
Sloth B
verb
Definition

To turn or position a steering device to the right side of a vessel.


Example

The captain ordered the crew to starboard the helm to avoid the rocks.


Tense Forms

Past: starboarded

Past Participle: starboarded


Conversation
Sloth A
Hey, do you remember how to starboard the boat when we were sailing?
Sloth B
Yeah, you just turn the helm to the right, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I think we should practice that technique again.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Starboard → It originates from Old English 'styrbord', where 'styr' (meaning steer) and 'bord' (meaning side of a ship) combine. The term refers to the right side of a ship when facing forward, which is the side used for steering.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'steer' to remember that 'starboard' refers to the side of a ship used for steering.

Visually Confused Words
astarboard
tarboard
strawboard
stallboard
teaboard
tagboard
seaboard
saxboard
Is this page helpful?
It usually is, but we should keep an eye on it just in case.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
right
Antonyms
left
I bet they do! It's always the best side to enjoy the view.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
right
Antonyms
left
Good idea! It’ll help us when we go out next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
veer
turn
shift
Antonyms
port
left
reverse