chalkboard

American  

[chawk-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈtʃɔkˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

• chalkboards
  plural

1. a blackboard, especially a green or other light-colored one.

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chalkboard British  

/ ˈtʃɔːkˌbɔːd /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): blackboard.  a hard or rigid surface made of a smooth usually dark substance, used for writing or drawing on with chalk, esp in teaching

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• chalkboards
  plural

Etymology

Origin of chalkboard

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; chalk + board

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chalkboard chalkboards

It’s still going to be Professor Barrett at the chalkboard explaining the difference between a substantive canon and a rule of statutory construction.

From Slate ● Feb. 20, 2026

There are rolled-up yoga mats in the corner, and a chalkboard outside lists times for a breathwork class with Sarah, a soundbath session with Guilia, and restorative yoga and meditation in the afternoon.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2026

I was reading a chalkboard menu, when someone spoke over my shoulder.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 10, 2026

He decided to leave UVA for AI because he couldn’t resist the latest opportunity to put his mark on something other than a chalkboard.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025

A chalkboard sign leaned against the side of the little house, attached to a banister by a chain.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

Using whiteboards and chalkboards the neighbors communicate with one another for a while, trying to determine how widespread the phenomenon is.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

Lockers and chalkboards still line the walls and the surrounding streets are dotted with boarded-up businesses and crumbling houses, legacies of decades of under-investment.

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2023

It allows children aged 6-14 to assemble structures with wooden slats, explore homemade “ornithopters” and try writing in reverse on mounted chalkboards.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 19, 2023

Professors linger in empty classrooms, trying to solve complex equations on chalkboards.

From Salon ● Apr. 2, 2023

Finally she heard a satisfying click, and the window swung open on a deserted office, its walls covered in maps marked with trade routes and chalkboards listing share prices and the names of ships.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo