Meaning & use
starboard
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
The right side of a ship or aircraft when you are facing forward.
Grammar: Used with 'the' or as an adjective: 'on the starboard side' or 'the starboard engine'.
Patterns
- on the starboard side
- to starboard
The captain ordered the crew to move to the starboard side to balance the ship.
From the starboard window, we could see the coastline approaching.
The starboard engine failed, so the pilot had to land immediately.
adjectivebefore a noun
On or relating to the right side of a ship or aircraft.
Grammar: Used before a noun, e.g., 'starboard side'.
Patterns
- starboard side
- starboard engine
The starboard side of the vessel was damaged in the collision.
He checked the starboard wing for any signs of ice.
Common combinations
- starboard side
- The lifeboat is on the starboard side.
- starboard engine
- The starboard engine is making a strange noise.
- to starboard
- The lighthouse is slightly to starboard.
- starboard bow
- A dolphin appeared off the starboard bow.
Synonyms and how they differ
- right
- General term for the right side, used in everyday contexts; 'starboard' is specific to ships and aircraft.
Opposites
Word family
- starboard adverb
- Rarely used as an adverb meaning 'toward the right side'.
Commonly confused: starboard or port?
starboard vs port
Port is the left side, while starboard is the right side. Remember: 'port' and 'left' both have four letters.
Practice
The captain shouted, 'Turn to ______!' meaning the right side.
Choose one answer.
'Starboard' is the correct nautical term for the right side. 'Port' is the opposite, and 'left' and 'right' are general terms, not the specific term used in this context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “starboard”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.