onboard

American  

[on-bawrd, awn-] / ˈɒnˈbɔrd, ˈɔn- /

Or on-board

adjective

1. provided, occurring, etc., on a vehicle.

   among the ship's many onboard services.

2. installed and functional within a vehicle or electronic device.

   onboard computers for aircraft.

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verb (used with object)

Business.

1. to assist and support (a new employee) in developing the skills, knowledge, attitudes, etc., needed to do their job.

2. to interact and exchange information with (a new customer) so as to ensure customer satisfaction, maximize company revenue, etc..

   Part of onboarding new clients involves setting expectations and timelines.

3. to digitize and upload customer data collected offline, typically to improve the results of personalized data-driven marketing.

   The data we onboarded matched existing data online, providing us with better insight into the individual’s purchasing habits.

Etymology

Origin of onboard

First recorded in 1965–70; adjective use of adverb phrase on board

Example Sentences

Tesla’s vehicles are equipped with cameras and onboard computers—and previously, ultrasonic sensors and radar—that enable those functions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

For “The Testament of Ann Lee,” Mona Fastvold shot a stunning, highly choreographed sequence onboard a real Swedish ship, all while clinging to a limited budget of $10 million.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

The patent filing shows Seres' plans for an onboard toilet that slides out from the bottom of a passenger's seat with a push or through voice-activated commands.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The carrier left a naval base in Crete earlier this week after returning to the base following a laundry fire onboard, which injured two crew members.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

As was to be expected, Edward Tulane exacted much attention onboard the ship.

From "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo