# aboard

/əˈbɔɹd/ (US) · /ɐbˈɔːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aboard
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. on a vehicle

preposition · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 2. on a vehicle

adverb · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 3. joining a team

adverb · CEFR B2 · Informal

joining a new group, team, or company.

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

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

Teaching tip: This is very common in business English when a new employee starts their first day.

### 4. on base

adverb · CEFR C1 · American English

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

For teachers: referring to a runner who is safely occupying a base.

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

## Examples

- The captain welcomed all the passengers aboard.
- Once everyone was safely aboard, the flight attendants began the safety demonstration before takeoff.
- The historic vessel remained at the dock for hours while the crew worked tirelessly to bring the heavy supplies aboard before the tide turned.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.