English Reference

Word

outboard

Phoneticsout·board

US/ˈaʊtˌbɔɹd/

UK/aʊtbˈɔːd/

Definition

n. a type of small boat engine that hangs outside the boat. It is usually powered by a gasoline engine and is easy to repair.

n. a small internal-combustion engine mounted on the stern of a boat, typically used for propulsion. Often used in the plural to refer to the engine itself.

Examples

“The boat has a powerful outboard engine.”

“Because the outboard is located on the back of the boat, it is easier to maintain and repair than an inboard engine.”

“While inboard engines offer a more streamlined design, many recreational boaters prefer the outboard for its simplicity and the ability to quickly replace the unit if it fails during a trip.”

Examples

simple

“The boat has a powerful outboard engine.”

contextual

“Because the outboard is located on the back of the boat, it is easier to maintain and repair than an inboard engine.”

complex

“While inboard engines offer a more streamlined design, many recreational boaters prefer the outboard for its simplicity and the ability to quickly replace the unit if it fails during a trip.”

Real-World Examples

“The dinghy, which had 31 children on board with the youngest aged 14, had two outboard engines but one was not working, the court heard.”
BBC News · 18 Sept 2026

Domain

Music

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/outboard

English Reference