running board

noun

1. a small ledge, step, or footboard, formerly beneath the doors of an automobile, to assist passengers entering or leaving the car.

running board

noun

1. a footboard along the side of a vehicle, esp an early motorcar

Word History and Origins

Origin of running board¹

1810–20, in sense “platform from which a large pole boat is poled,” Americanism

Example Sentences

The wagon destroyed in the April fire had about 50% integrity, officials said, with original running boards and some metal hardware.

From Los Angeles Times

The chief jumped onto the truck’s running board to try to stop him, but was thrown to the ground, authorities said.

From Seattle Times

So were the 1930s trucks and automobiles, with their running boards and massive fenders, used for stations reachable by road.

From Seattle Times

For an instant, standing on the running board of the motorcade car, he entertained the vain hope that maybe it was just a firecracker or a blown tire.

From New York Times

As California historian Kevin Starr wrote, Culver used gimmicks and giveaways and stunts like kids’ boxcar races, raffles, parades, and, memorably, a polo game played from the running boards of Model Ts.

From Los Angeles Times