billboard

¹ American  

[bil-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈbɪlˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a flat surface or board, usually outdoors, on which large advertisements or notices are posted.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place, advertise, proclaim, etc., on or as if on a billboard.

   The movie was billboarded as the year's biggest hit.

billboard ² American  

[bil-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈbɪlˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

Nautical.

1. anchor bed.

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billboard ¹ British  

/ ˈbɪlˌbɔːd /

noun

1. another name for hoarding

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billboard ² British  

/ ˈbɪlˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing an anchor

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Etymology

Origin of billboard¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; bill ¹ + board

Origin of billboard²

First recorded in 1855–60; bill ³ + board

Example Sentences

Disney’s first-ever chief brand officer is spearheading a “Best Christmas Ever” campaign featuring an online video that’s been viewed more than 34 million times and an animated Times Square billboard highlighting fan-drawn characters.

From The Wall Street Journal

Zagreb Advent, as the capital's Christmas markets and events are collectively known, is the poster child for this approach, with billboards in neighbouring countries urging people to attend.

From BBC

On the road heading out of Cairo and towards the airport, a journey Salah has made countless times, the billboards are filled with his image.

From BBC

No. I remember being in Vegas and looking up at the billboards: Man, oh, man — how do you get your name up there?

From Los Angeles Times

And she’s compared herself to a billboard, explaining that companies promote products in her reel much as they advertise along the highway.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• advertisement
• placard
• poster
• signboard