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

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

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

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

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