outboard

American  

[out-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

Example Sentences

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

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

“It was a 24-foot single outboard vessel that ran aground and capsized,” said Kai Bond, chief of Laguna Beach Marine Safety.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2024

Others struggled to start a tiny outboard engine, and more worked to turn the boat and point it towards the UK.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2024

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