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

In “really urgent” situations, he said other drivers advised him to open the door and stand on the running board to let urine trickle out of the van.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 25, 2021

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

His brother was driving off with Daddy hanging on the running board of a Model T when a pursuer driving alongside snatched Daddy’s pants off from behind.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 11, 2015

He looked round; her hat was lying on the running board.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright