aboard
- 01 B1 Intermediate
prep.on or into a ship, train, plane, or bus.
prep.on or onto a large passenger vehicle, such as a ship, aircraft, or train.
Simple“The captain welcomed the passengers aboard the ship as they arrived.”
In context“Once all the cargo was secured, the crew stepped aboard the vessel and prepared to depart for the open sea.”
UsageAlways followed by a noun phrase representing the vehicle.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adv.on or into a vehicle, used without naming the vehicle again.
adv.positioned within or onto a vehicle; functions as an adverb when the vehicle is understood from context.
Simple“The train was about to leave, so we quickly climbed aboard.”
In context“The flight attendant signaled that the doors were closing and no more passengers would be allowed aboard.”
UsageUsed alone after a verb of motion or position.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.joining a new group, team, or company.
adv.metaphorical use indicating the start of a person's membership in an organisation or project.
Simple“We are happy to have a new designer aboard for this project.”
In context“The CEO spent the morning welcoming the new recruits aboard, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'welcome aboard'.
Teacher's tipThis is very common in business English when a new employee starts their first day.
- 04 C1 Advanced
adv.in baseball, when a player is standing on a base.
adv.referring to a runner who is safely occupying a base.
Simple“With two runners aboard, the next batter hit a home run.”
In context“The pitcher struggled with his control, eventually leaving three runners aboard for the relief pitcher to deal with.”
UsageUsually occurs in the phrase 'runners aboard'.
Usage aboard the ship · aboard the aircraft
From Middle English abord, from a- (“on”) + bord (“board, side of a ship”); equivalent to a- + board.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.