billboard

¹

[bil-bawrd, -bohrd]

noun

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

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

[bil-bawrd, -bohrd]

noun

Nautical.

1. anchor bed.

billboard

¹

/ ˈbɪlˌbɔːd /

noun

1. another name for hoarding

billboard

²

/ ˈbɪlˌbɔːd /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of billboard¹

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

Origin of billboard²

First recorded in 1855–60; bill ³ + board

Word History and Origins

Origin of billboard¹

C19: from _bill ¹ + _board

Origin of billboard²

C19: from _bill ² + _board

Example Sentences

Dawn hasn’t even broken, but I can still see the thick trees, lively greenery, bold architecture, and bright billboards that line the roads.

Read more on Literature

“The party girl for the party,” they dubbed her, a taunt that blared from billboards around town.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Five flatbed vehicles were also driven past the ground prior to kick-off of the Europa League match, carrying electronic billboards showing messages opposing antisemitism.

Read more on BBC

But the streets of Russia offered him a more enticing prospect: billboards to join the army.

Read more on Barron's

There was the occasional billboard outside airports, and those increased in number once you got nearer to the grounds, but otherwise it was very low-key.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• advertisement 
• placard 
• poster 
• signboard