Boarder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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boarder

[ˈbɔːrdər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

education

A person who lives with and takes meals from another, or a person who rents a room in another's house, with a right to eat at their table.

Synonyms

lodger, roomer, tenant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
boarder

Someone who pays for meals and accommodation when staying somewhere. Often used in the context of boarding schools or homes.

  • She was a boarder at the prestigious academy
  • The boarding house had several boarders
lodger

Someone who rents a room in someone else's house, often for an extended period and usually having access to common areas of the house.

  • The family took in a lodger to help with expenses
  • Their lodger was a college student
tenant

Someone who rents or leases a house, apartment, or other property from a landlord for an extended period. This word is more formal and commonly used in legal or real estate contexts.

  • The tenant signed a one-year lease for the apartment
  • The landlord and tenant agreed on the rent terms
roomer

Primarily used in American English, referring to a person who rents a single room, sometimes with minimal access to shared areas. This term is less formal and might carry a slightly outdated connotation.

  • The house had three roomers
  • They advertised for a new roomer in the local paper

Examples of usage

  • He was a boarder at the school for two years.
  • The family decided to take in boarders to help with their expenses.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A participant in snowboarding or skateboarding.

Synonyms

skateboarder, snowboarder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
boarder

Can also refer to someone who attends a boarding school, living at the school during the term.

  • As a boarder, she only went home for holidays and long weekends
snowboarder

Refers to someone who rides a snowboard, usually on snow-covered slopes as a recreational activity or competitive sport.

  • The snowboarder navigated down the steep mountain with incredible skill
skateboarder

Used to describe someone who rides a skateboard, usually in public places or skate parks for recreation or sport.

  • The skateboarder performed an impressive trick at the local skate park

Examples of usage

  • He is a professional boarder and has won several competitions.
  • She enjoys being a boarder and spends most weekends at the skate park.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

  • In some cultures, boarding houses were common in urban areas during the industrial era, providing affordable housing.
  • The concept of boarders has been represented in various literary works depicting communal living and shared experiences.
  • Hostels and shared living spaces often cater to travelers, analogous to the traditional role of a boarder.

Social Dynamics

  • Having a boarder can alter the dynamics of a household, introducing new social interactions and relationships.
  • It allows homeowners to earn extra income, while boarders gain affordable living options.
  • Boarding can lead to lifelong friendships or sometimes conflicts, as sharing a home with others can be challenging.

Historical Perspectives

  • In earlier times, boarding schools were places where students lived and studied, highlighting a different use of the term.
  • The Great Depression saw an increase in boarding houses due to economic hardships, providing cheap accommodation.
  • During wars, families often opened their homes to boarders as a way to support the economy and those in need.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the concept of renting out a room to a boarder is gaining popularity in urban settings, addressing housing shortages.
  • Airbnb and similar platforms reflect a modern take on boarding, allowing hosts to offer short-term stays for travelers.
  • In college towns, students often find boarders in the form of roommates or housemates to help with living costs.

Origin of 'boarder'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the word 'board', which historically meant food or provisions, indicating lodging with meals.
  • In the 17th century, 'boarding' started referring to living with others for food and shelter.
  • The word has evolved over time, connecting living arrangements with meal provisions.

The word 'boarder' originated from the verb 'board', meaning 'to provide with regular meals or regular meals and lodging.' The term has been used since the 14th century to refer to someone who receives regular meals or lodging. Over time, it also came to be used in sports contexts to refer to participants in snowboarding or skateboarding.


See also: board, boarding, dashboard, sideboard.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,293, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.