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.

---

running board British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of running board

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

Example Sentences

For an instant, standing on the running board of the motorcade car, he entertained the vain hope that maybe it was just a firecracker or a blown tire.

From New York Times • Sep. 9, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2023

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

Standard “assist steps,” basically a long running board on each side, eased entry into the tall Suburban.

From Washington Times • Jul. 29, 2015

By the time he got to the top of the hill she loved him again and opened the door and hopped out on the running board to wave.

From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen