What does "aboard" mean?

1. (on a vehicle) on or into a ship, train, plane, or bus. 2. (on a vehicle) on or into a vehicle, used without naming the vehicle again. 3. (joining a team) joining a new group, team, or company. 4. (on base) in baseball, when a player is standing on a base.

How do you use "aboard"?

Always followed by a noun phrase representing the vehicle. Used alone after a verb of motion or position. Commonly used in the phrase 'welcome aboard'. Usually occurs in the phrase 'runners aboard'.

aboard

prep. · adv.

US //əˈbɔɹd// UK //ɐbˈɔːd// aboard

1 on a vehicle (prep.)
B1 Intermediate

on or into a ship, train, plane, or bus.

on or onto a large passenger vehicle, such as a ship, aircraft, or train.

Example

The captain welcomed the passengers aboard the ship as they arrived.

Example

Once all the cargo was secured, the crew stepped aboard the vessel and prepared to depart for the open sea.

Usage

Always followed by a noun phrase representing the vehicle.
- on
- inside
- off
2 on a vehicle (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

on or into a vehicle, used without naming the vehicle again.

positioned within or onto a vehicle; functions as an adverb when the vehicle is understood from context.

Example

The train was about to leave, so we quickly climbed aboard.

Example

The flight attendant signaled that the doors were closing and no more passengers would be allowed aboard.

Usage

Used alone after a verb of motion or position.
- inside
- off
- ashore

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3 joining a team (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

joining a new group, team, or company.

metaphorical use indicating the start of a person's membership in an organisation or project.

Example

We are happy to have a new designer aboard for this project.

Example

The CEO spent the morning welcoming the new recruits aboard, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'welcome aboard'.

Teacher's tip

This is very common in business English when a new employee starts their first day.
- joined
- enrolled
4 on base (adv.)
C1 Advanced American English Sport

in baseball, when a player is standing on a base.

referring to a runner who is safely occupying a base.

Example

With two runners aboard, the next batter hit a home run.

Example

The pitcher struggled with his control, eventually leaving three runners aboard for the relief pitcher to deal with.

Usage

Usually occurs in the phrase 'runners aboard'.

Origin

From Middle English abord, from a- (“on”) + bord (“board, side of a ship”); equivalent to a- + board.