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,”

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2023

“I said, ‘Alfred can get out that truck and back it up to the dock standing on a running board.

From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2020

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

The rear car door swung rustily open and a bursting desert boot stepped down onto the running board.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole