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

His image appears on billboards, petrol stations and shirts bearing his number 10.

From BBC

The only Californians impacted, Uber claims, will be “shady billboard lawyers whose business model relies on abusing auto accident victims for their own personal gain.”

From Los Angeles Times

Those two guys became an advertising powerhouse with ads popping up on late night shows, soap operas, billboards, and radio waves.

From Los Angeles Times

Goldsmith, now 87 years old, will appear in new ads spanning TV, billboards, social media and other digital venues, stores and bars for the Heineken-owned brand.

From The Wall Street Journal

That phrase started cropping up again this week on a series of billboards in major cities around the world, drawing hundreds of fans who wanted to take their picture next to the message.

From BBC

Related Words

• advertisement
• placard
• poster
• signboard