running board

American  

noun

1. a small ledge, step, or footboard, formerly beneath the doors of an automobile, to assist passengers entering or leaving the car.

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running board British  

noun

1. a footboard along the side of a vehicle, esp an early motorcar

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Etymology

Origin of running board

1810–20, in sense “platform from which a large pole boat is poled,”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

running board

Cars went so slowly that “bandits could run right up and jump on your running board and take your valuables.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026

Weeks ago, I needed some toggle bolts to reinstall a running board on my truck.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 24, 2023

Its design boasts exotic materials, enveloping surround sound, a running board that fairly glides under your feet, and a den-size 32-inch screen.

From New York Times ● Jan. 9, 2018

Guests would perch on the running board as he drove them to beach picnics or moonlit games of hockey.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 26, 2017

That had been decided about ten years previous, so of course it was me climbing onto the running board and yanking open the passenger door.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

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