1. Flat, rigid surface: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a flat, rigid piece of material, often made of wood, but also sometimes plastic, metal, or other materials.
* Examples: A board for writing on, a board for playing games, a board used in construction.
2. Group of people: "Board" can also refer to a group of people who are responsible for managing an organization, such as a company or institution.
* Examples: The board of directors, the board of trustees, a board of review.
3. Food: "Board" can be used to describe a type of food, usually a flat, thin piece of food.
* Examples: A board of cheese, a board of charcuterie.
4. To provide food and lodging: This is a more archaic meaning. It refers to providing food and lodging, typically for a fixed price.
* Example: "They boarded with the local family while traveling."
5. To get on a ship, train, or aircraft: This meaning is also becoming less common in modern usage.
* Example: "We boarded the plane at 7:00 AM."
6. To cover with boards: This meaning refers to the act of covering something with boards, typically for protection or construction purposes.
* Example: "The workers boarded up the windows before the storm."
7. To examine or scrutinize: In this meaning, "board" refers to the act of examining or scrutinizing something carefully, often in a formal setting.
* Example: "The doctors boarded the patient's medical records."
To determine the specific meaning of "board," consider the context in which it is used.