Starboard: meaning, definitions and examples
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starboard
[ ˈstɑːrˌbɔːrd ]
nautical direction
Starboard refers to the right-hand side of a ship or aircraft when facing forward. It is an essential term used in navigation, as it helps to avoid confusion when directing movements. The opposite of starboard is port, which refers to the left side. Understanding these terms is crucial for communication in maritime operations and for safety on vessels.
Synonyms
right-hand side
Examples of usage
- The captain ordered the crew to turn starboard.
- The lighthouse was clearly visible from the starboard side.
- To avoid collision, we need to steer starboard.
- In sailing, the starboard side is often marked with green lights.
Translations
Translations of the word "starboard" in other languages:
🇵🇹 banda de estibordo
🇮🇳 दाहिनी ओर
🇩🇪 Steuerbord
🇮🇩 sisi kanan
🇺🇦 правий борт
🇵🇱 burta prawa
🇯🇵 スターボード
🇫🇷 tribord
🇪🇸 estribor
🇹🇷 sancak
🇰🇷 우현
🇸🇦 الجانب الأيمن
🇨🇿 pravobok
🇸🇰 pravobok
🇨🇳 右舷
🇸🇮 desna stran
🇮🇸 stjórnarbaki
🇰🇿 оң борт
🇬🇪 მარჯვენა გვერდი
🇦🇿 sağ tərəf
🇲🇽 estribor
Etymology
The term 'starboard' has its origins in Old English, specifically from the word 'styrbord', which meant 'the side on which the steering oar is used.' The word is a combination of 'styr', meaning 'to steer', and 'bord', meaning 'the side of a ship'. Historically, early ships were steered with a single oar mounted on the right side due to the predominance of right-handed steersmen. This led to the adoption of 'starboard' to denote the right side of the vessel. Over time, as sailing and navigation evolved, the term became standardized in maritime language. The use of starboard and port has been crucial in naval communication, ensuring clarity and safety at sea.