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billboard

1 American  
[bil-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈbɪlˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

  1. a flat surface or board, usually outdoors, on which large advertisements or notices are posted.

verb (used with object)

  1. to place, advertise, proclaim, etc., on or as if on a billboard.

    The movie was billboarded as the year's biggest hit.
billboard 2 American  
[bil-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈbɪlˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

Nautical.

  1. anchor bed.

billboard 1 British  
/ ˈbɪlˌbɔːd /

noun

  1. another name for hoarding

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
billboard 2 British  
/ ˈbɪlˌbɔːd /

noun

  1. a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing an anchor

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of billboard1

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; bill 1 + board

Origin of billboard2

First recorded in 1855–60; bill 3 + board

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His black turban, clerical robes and graying beard composed the picture that adorned offices, walls and billboards across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal

His image is plastered on billboards in public spaces and his photograph is ubiquitous in shops.

From BBC

The pair's palpable chemistry has also elevated them to idol-like status in Vietnam and the Philippines, with fans even buying out LED billboards and hosting Heated Rivalry-themed festivities to celebrate Williams and Storrie's birthdays.

From BBC

James Baldwin’s quote about the artist’s role in society is emblazoned on billboards across Los Angeles this winter.

From Los Angeles Times

“Defendant could have used that money to buy radio advertisements, purchase billboard space, or send a mailer to aid him in the election,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.