starboard

[ stahr-berd, -bawrd, -bohrd ]

/ ˈstɑr bərd, -ˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

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noun

the right-hand side of or direction from a vessel or aircraft, facing forward.

adjective

of or pertaining or located to the starboard.

adverb

toward the right side.

verb (used with or without object)

to turn (the helm) to starboard.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of starboard

before 900; Middle English sterbord (noun), Old English stēorbord, equivalent to stēor steering (see steer¹) + bord side (see board)

Words nearby starboard

stapling, star, star anise, star apple, Stara Zagora, starboard, starburst, Star Carr, starch, Star Chamber, star chart

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use starboard in a sentence

So not only will the GOP have control in the Senate, it will move the center of gravity on Capitol Hill hard to starboard.
The Democrats’ Black Hole—and What They Can Do About It|Michael Tomasky|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Correction: The original article stated that Starboard Strategic Inc. had undertaken the Internet media buy for the NRA.
A Tom Cotton Ad on Grindr?|Ben Jacobs|October 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After it has been uprighted, sponsons will be welded to the starboard side that has been underwater for a year.
Risky Rescue: A Year After It Sank, Raising the Costa Concordia|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The helmsman, who did not speak English or Italian fluently, responded, “Hard to Starboard?”
Costa Concordia’s Captain’s Culpability in Crash and Deaths Weighed by Judge|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Then it shut down all the thrusters on the starboard side, leaving the 24-foot Deepsea Challenger spinning in a circle.
James Cameron Plans Next Dive After Surfacing From Ocean Abyss|Jacqui Goddard|March 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Malcolm asked her gently to go back to the helm and keep it jammed hard-a-starboard until they arrived at the left bank.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
The big ocean liners lashed to port and starboard cut us off from air as well as light and one of them is loaded with Cheddar.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
The deck steward called their attention to a long line of lights stealing up from the horizon on their starboard side.
The Double Four|E. Phillips Oppenheim
Now and again, when it's my watch—I'm on the starboard watch, you know—I see her turn out in the morning at two bells.
Jaffery|William J. Locke
A broad reach on starboard followed, 'Vigilant' setting her balloon jib-topsail very smartly.
Yachting Vol. 2|Various.

British Dictionary definitions for starboard

starboard

/ (ˈstɑːbəd, -ˌbɔːd) /

noun

the right side of an aeroplane or vessel when facing the nose or bowCompare port 2

adjective

relating to or on the starboard

verb

to turn or be turned towards the starboard

Word Origin for starboard

Old English stēorbord, literally: steering side, from stēor steering paddle + bord side; see steer 1, board; from the fact that boats were formerly steered by a paddle held over the right-hand side

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012