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

That’s two or three times the cost of a typical 14-foot jon boat with an outboard motor.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 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

The yachtsmen pulled over to ask two loggers for help, and one of the loggers noticed an improperly secured outboard motor in the back seat of the rental car.

From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2025

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

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