surfboard

American  

[surf-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈsɜrfˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a long, narrow board on which a person stands or lies prone in surfboarding.

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verb (used without object)

1. to ride a surfboard.

surfboard British  

/ ˈsɜːfˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a long narrow board used in surfing

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Etymology

Origin of surfboard

First recorded in 1820–30; surf + board

Explanation

A surfboard is a long plank that's used for riding on top of ocean waves. The first thing you'll learn about using your new surfboard is how to stand up on it without immediately falling off! To be a surfer, you'll need a surfboard — a buoyant board, often made of fiberglass, used to ride the surf while standing upright — and lots of practice! Modern surfboards are relatively lightweight and aerodynamic, and they have fins on the bottom to help them be more stable in the water. For ancient Hawaiians, surfing held spiritual significance, and the original surfboards were built from solid wood in a solemn ceremony. In Hawaiian, a surfboard is called a papa heʻenalu, or "wave-sliding board."

Example Sentences

For example, a seal or sea lion attempting to climb onto a surfboard is usually a good sign to paddle into shore.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Stories involving a sitar, a surfboard, several root beer floats and a bride-to-be.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

"GPX4 is a bit like a surfboard," says Conrad.

From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025

A British man has drowned after his surfboard snapped during wild weather in the Australian state of Victoria while the friend who tried to save him also died.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

He felt as if he were on a surfboard, catching a giant wave, rising, cresting, and sliding back down again.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret