starboard

[ stahr-berd, -bawrd, -bohrd ]

noun

1. the right-hand side of or direction from a vessel or aircraft, facing forward.

adjective

1. of or pertaining or located to the starboard.

adverb

1. toward the right side.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to turn (the helm) to starboard.

starboard

/ ˈstɑːbəd; -ˌbɔːd /

noun

1. the right side of an aeroplane or vessel when facing the nose or bow Compare port 2

adjective

1. relating to or on the starboard

verb

1. to turn or be turned towards the starboard

Word History and Origins

Origin of starboard¹

before 900; Middle English sterbord (noun), Old English stēorbord, equivalent to stēor steering ( steer ¹ ) + bord side ( board )

Word History and Origins

Origin of starboard¹

Old English stēorbord , literally: steering side, from stēor steering paddle + bord side; see steer ¹, board; from the fact that boats were formerly steered by a paddle held over the right-hand side

Example Sentences

Dives led by explorer Victor Vescovo in 2019 showed that the starboard side of the officer’s quarters were collapsing, destroying state rooms and obliterating features like the captain’s bath from view.

From BBC

Dives led by explorer Victor Vescovo in 2019 showed that the starboard side of the officer’s quarters were collapsing, destroying state rooms and obliterating features like the captain’s bathtub from view.

From BBC

My father was clambering to get us leeward against capsize when my mother took to the starboard bow.

From Salon

The local pilot onboard the vessel frantically gave orders, telling the crew to steer the rudder hard to port and drop anchor to keep it from drifting starboard.

From BBC

In 2022, HMS Prince of Wales broke down off the Isle of Wight, when it also suffered a malfunction with a coupling on its starboard propeller.

From BBC