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

Reynolds, crooning into the morning light while standing on the running board of his whizzing car, seems to be having the time of his life.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 27, 2018

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

Stepping off the running board, he slapped me on the shoulder and said, “Gosh a’mighty Peter Rabbit, Will Tweedy, these here artermobiles is something else and then some!”

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns