boarding

American  

[bawr-ding, bohr-] / ˈbɔr dɪŋ, ˈboʊr- /

noun

1. wooden boards collectively.

2. a structure of boards, as in a fence or a floor.

3. the act of a person who boards a ship, train, airplane, or the like.

   an uneventful boarding.

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boarding British  

/ ˈbɔːdɪŋ /

noun

1. a structure of boards, such as a floor or fence

2. timber boards collectively

3. 1. the act of embarking on an aircraft, train, ship, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a boarding pass

4. a process used in tanning to accentuate the natural grain of hides, in which the surface of a softened leather is lightly creased by folding grain to grain and the fold is worked to and fro across the leather

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Other Word Forms

• preboarding adjective

Etymology

Origin of boarding

First recorded in 1525–35; board + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"On the upside, if you're denied boarding, you're legally entitled to compensation, which for a flight to Malaga would be around £350. If your journey wasn't urgent that could be quite attractive," Spake says.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

It creates a long chain of spending on food, grooming, healthcare, apparel, toys, boarding, and services.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance told reporters before boarding Air Force Two.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Morgan, and the couple immediately sent Lilias and her brother to a succession of boarding schools and summer camps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

“If I am ever to lose my position, he could send them off to boarding school, or to an orphanage, or anywhere he pleased, really,” she fretted as the children eagerly presented themselves for inspection.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• catch
• climb on
• enter
• get on
• hop on