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.

---

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

---

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

---

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

The outboard horsepower explosion started about 20 years ago, when bigger boats typically had engines set within the hull.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

The flagellum comprises more than 30 distinct parts, so similar to those of an outboard motor that biologists speak of the flagellum’s propeller, drive shaft and so forth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026

As well as the 35m-long sub, the security forces also seized six speedboats, seven outboard motors and dozens of barrels of fuel.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2026

Cole was sitting in the cabin reading a book when he heard the high-pitched whine of an outboard engine along with the deep growl of a second engine.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---