Aboard vs. Boarding: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 1, 2023
Aboard refers to being on or inside a vehicle or vessel, while boarding denotes the act or process of entering or getting onto such a vehicle or vessel.
Key Differences
Aboard and boarding are terms primarily associated with transportation, but they have distinct meanings and applications. Aboard describes the state of being inside or on a mode of transport, such as a train, plane, or ship. Boarding, on the other hand, signifies the process or action of getting onto or entering these modes of transport.
When someone says they are "aboard" a ship, they mean they are already on the ship, either standing on its deck or inside its compartments. In contrast, if someone mentions they are "boarding" the ship, it means they are currently in the act of entering or getting onto the ship, but they may not necessarily be fully inside or settled yet.
Aboard can also figuratively mean joining a team or becoming part of an effort. For example, "I'm aboard with the plan" indicates agreement or involvement. Boarding, however, retains its literal sense related to entry and doesn't have such figurative extensions.
In many transportation hubs, you'll frequently hear announcements like "Boarding now" which implies that passengers should start the process of entering the vehicle. Once they are inside and seated, they are considered aboard. The distinction might seem subtle, but it's crucial for clarity in contexts where timing and sequence are vital.
In conclusion, while both aboard and boarding relate to transportation, aboard conveys a state of being, and boarding communicates an ongoing action.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Being on or inside a vehicle or vessel
The act of getting on or entering a vehicle or vessel
Context of Use
Describes a state or position
Describes an action or process
Grammatical Role
Adverb or preposition
Gerund (noun form of the verb "board")
Example Usage
"She is aboard the plane."
"She is boarding the plane."
Figurative Use
Can mean joining a team or effort
Primarily used in a literal sense
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Aboard and Boarding Definitions
Aboard
Alongside a ship or pier.
The smaller boat came aboard.
Boarding
Getting onto or covering with boards.
They're boarding up the windows before the storm.
Aboard
In or into a group or organization.
She was brought aboard as the new CEO.
Boarding
Engaging in a board sport like snowboarding or skateboarding.
She's been boarding since she was a teenager.
Aboard
On or inside a vehicle, ship, or aircraft.
We went aboard the yacht.
Boarding
A long flat slab of sawed lumber; a plank.
Aboard
In agreement or participation.
Are you aboard with our plan?
Boarding
A long flat slab of another material, used as a structural member.
Aboard
Into a team or partnership.
I'm aboard with the new project.
Boarding
A flat, rigid, often rectangular piece of material used as a surface upon which to work
A cutting board.
An ironing board.
Aboard
On board a ship, train, aircraft, or other passenger vehicle.
Boarding
A blackboard.
Aboard
At the side; alongside.
Boarding
A bulletin board.
Aboard
In or into a group, organization, or business
Brought aboard two new designers.
Boarding
A scoreboard.
Aboard
(Baseball) On base.
Boarding
A toteboard.
Aboard
On board of; on; in.
Boarding
A flat piece of material designed or equipped to be ridden as a sport, especially a snowboard, skateboard, or surfboard.
Aboard
On board; into or within a ship or boat; hence, into or within a railway car.
We all climbed aboard.
Boarding
A diving board.
Aboard
On or onto a horse, a camel, etc.
To sling a saddle aboard.
Boarding
A backboard.
Aboard
(baseball) On base.
He doubled with two men aboard, scoring them both.
Boarding
A flat, rigid piece of material on which a game is played, such as a checkerboard or chessboard.
Aboard
Into a team, group, or company.
The office manager welcomed him aboard.
Boarding
A table at which official meetings are held; a council table.
Aboard
(nautical) Alongside.
The ships came close aboard to pass messages.
The captain laid his ship aboard the enemy's ship.
Boarding
An organized body of administrators or investigators
A board of trustees.
A board of directors.
Aboard
On board of; onto or into a ship, boat, train, plane.
We all went aboard the ship.
Boarding
A table, especially one set for serving food.
Aboard
Onto a horse.
Boarding
Food or meals considered as a whole
Board and lodging.
Aboard
(obsolete) Across; athwart; alongside.
Boarding
(Sports) The wooden structure enclosing an area for skating, such as the ice on which hockey is played, or enclosing a playing area, as for indoor soccer.
Aboard
On board; into or within a ship or boat; hence, into or within a railway car.
Boarding
A theater stage.
Aboard
Alongside; as, close aboard.
Boarding
(Basketball) A rebound.
Aboard
On board of; as, to go aboard a ship.
Boarding
An electrical-equipment panel.
Aboard
Across; athwart.
Nor iron bands aboardThe Pontic Sea by their huge navy cast.
Boarding
(Computers) A circuit board.
Aboard
On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
Boarding
The side of a ship.
Aboard
On first or second or third base;
Their second homer with Bob Allison aboard
Boarding
A leeboard.
Aboard
Side by side;
Anchored close aboard another ship
Boarding
A centerboard.
Aboard
Part of a group;
Bill's been aboard for three years now
Boarding
(Obsolete) A border or edge.
Boarding
To cover or close with boards
Board up a broken window.
Boarding
To furnish with meals in return for pay.
Boarding
To house where board is furnished
Board a horse at a stable.
Boarding
To enter or go aboard (a vehicle or ship).
Boarding
To allow (passengers) on board.
Boarding
(Nautical) To come alongside (a ship).
Boarding
(Sports) To force (an opposing hockey player) into the boards with a body check.
Boarding
(Obsolete) To approach.
Boarding
To receive meals or food and lodging as a paying customer.
Boarding
(Sports) To use a snowboard, skateboard, surfboard, or similar item.
Boarding
Present participle of board
Boarding
The act of people getting aboard a ship aircraft, train, bus, etc.; embarkation.
Boarding
The act of a sailor or boarding party attacking an enemy ship by boarding it.
Boarding
A structure made of boards.
Boarding
(uncountable) The riding of a skateboard.
Boarding
(ice hockey) A penalty called for pushing into the boards.
Boarding
The act of entering a ship, whether with a hostile or a friendly purpose.
Both slain at one time, as they attempted the boarding of a frigate.
Boarding
The act of covering with boards; also, boards, collectively; or a covering made of boards.
Boarding
The act of supplying, or the state of being supplied, with regular or specified meals, or with meals and lodgings, for pay.
Boarding
The act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft
Boarding
A structure of boards
Boarding
The act of getting on a vehicle, especially a plane or ship.
The boarding of the ship took an hour.
Boarding
Entering or joining a school or institution where students live.
He's boarding at the academy this semester.
Boarding
Providing meals and lodging.
They offer boarding for travelers.
FAQs
Is boarding always about transportation?
No, boarding can also mean living at a school or lodging and receiving meals.
Can aboard be used as an adverb?
Yes, for example: "Come aboard!"
If I'm already seated in a train, am I boarding or aboard?
You are aboard.
What does aboard mean in transportation?
Aboard means being on or inside a mode of transport like a bus, train, or ship.
Is boarding limited to airplanes?
No, boarding can refer to the act of entering any mode of transport, including buses, trains, and ships.
Is "All aboard!" a common phrase?
Yes, it's a traditional call to passengers to board a vehicle, especially a train.
Can aboard be used figuratively?
Yes, it can mean joining a team or effort or being in agreement.
What's the noun form of board related to transport?
The noun form is "boarding," as in "boarding pass."
What is a boarding school?
A boarding school is an institution where students live on campus and receive education.
Can boarding refer to skateboarding?
Yes, boarding can also refer to engaging in board sports like skateboarding or snowboarding.
If I agree with an idea, can I say "I'm aboard"?
Yes, in this context, "I'm aboard" means you agree or are on board with the idea.
Is boarding also related to using boards in construction?
Yes, boarding can mean covering or sealing with boards, like "boarding up windows."
Can aboard mean beside a ship?
Yes, for example: "The boat pulled aboard the larger ship."
Can you use aboard to describe joining a digital platform?
Yes, it can be used figuratively like "I'm aboard the new app!"
Is there a boarding process for buses?
Yes, buses often have a boarding process, especially long-distance or chartered buses.
Can I use boarding to mean I'm entering a house?
While less common, "boarding" in this sense would be understood as entering, but "entering" would be clearer.
Can a ship come aboard another ship?
Yes, in nautical contexts, "come aboard" can mean moving alongside or making contact.
Does aboard imply full entry into a vehicle?
Yes, aboard means you are completely on or inside the vehicle.
Is boarding time the same as departure time?
No, boarding time is when passengers begin entering the vehicle, while departure time is when the vehicle leaves.
What does "boarding up" mean?
It means covering openings like windows or doors with boards, often for protection.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
