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

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

The area is deep “rooted in Black home ownership, Black businesses and cultural pride,” says L.A. resident Robert China Berry who placed a billboard nearby that reads “Black Beverly Hills.”

From Los Angeles Times

Manchester city centre has been transformed with colourful murals and billboard takeovers by local artists as part of the build up to the Brits next week.

From BBC

Missing person flyers featuring pictures of Nancy's smiling face, combined with motorway billboards promoting the FBI's tip line have made this case impossible to ignore, even for those who don't watch the news.

From BBC

Flashy billboards advertising dozens of brands hang above the highway linking Liuyang to its nearest airport.

From Barron's

Related Words

• advertisement
• placard
• poster
• signboard