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

James Baldwin’s quote about the artist’s role in society is emblazoned on billboards across Los Angeles this winter.

From Los Angeles Times

“Defendant could have used that money to buy radio advertisements, purchase billboard space, or send a mailer to aid him in the election,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.

From Los Angeles Times

On the riverbank I spot an army recruitment billboard.

From BBC

Language barriers were addressed by increasing the material available in a range of languages, including publishing QR codes linked to videos explaining about the benefits, alongside the traditional billboard advertising.

From BBC

Outreach efforts are planned at airports, billboard campaigns are in the works, and the team is reaching out to foreign consulates to help spread the word internationally.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advertisement
• placard
• poster
• signboard