outboard

American  

[aut-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈaʊtˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

adjective

1. located on the exterior of a hull or aircraft.

2. located farther from the center, as of an aircraft.

   the outboard end of a wing.

3. (of a motorboat) having an outboard motor.

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adverb

1. outside or away from the center of a hull, aircraft, machine, etc..

   The sail swung outboard.

noun

1. an outboard motor.

2. a boat equipped with an outboard motor.

outboard British  

/ ˈaʊtˌbɔːd /

adjective

1. (of a boat's engine) portable, with its own propeller, and designed to be attached externally to the stern Compare inboard

2. in a position away from, or further away from, the centre line of a vessel or aircraft, esp outside the hull or fuselage

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adverb

1. away from the centre line of a vessel or aircraft, esp outside the hull or fuselage

noun

1. an outboard motor

2. a boat fitted with an outboard motor

Etymology

Origin of outboard

First recorded in 1815–25; out- + board

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

outboard

The dinghy, which had 31 children on board with the youngest aged 14, had two outboard engines but one was not working, the court heard.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

Dinghies, outboard engines, and life preservers have been seized by police in Germany.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

The once-humble outboard motor is having a supercar moment, with surging power capabilities making it the propulsion of choice for many high-end boats.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

So when engine-maker Mercury Marine showed him an outboard motor that generates more horsepower than a Ferrari Portofino, he wanted four.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

The outboard motor had broken down once again, and this time it needed to go to the mechanic.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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