starboard

views updated May 18 2018

star·board / ˈstärˌbôrd/ • n. the side of a ship or aircraft that is on the right when one is facing forward.The opposite of port³.• v. [tr.] turn (a ship or its helm) to starboard.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

starboard

views updated May 18 2018

starboard the side of a ship or aircraft that is on the right when one is facing forward, opposite to port. The word comes from Old English stēorbord ‘rudder side’, because early Teutonic sailing vessels were steered with a paddle over the right side.

See also port out, starboard home at port2.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

starboard

views updated Jun 08 2018

starboard OE. stēorbord, f. stēor guidance, steering paddle, rudder (see STEER2) + bord BOARD. The ref. is to the steering by means of a paddle worked over the right side of the vessel.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD