Gadit

Right side of ship

Definitions
1nounThe right side of a ship when facing forward is called the 'starboard'.
The captain ordered the crew to secure the starboard side before the storm hit.
During the tour, the guide pointed out the starboard side where the dolphins were swimming.
The starboard side of the ship was painted a bright blue.
Word Origin
Language
Old English
Original word
stēorbord
Word parts
stēor (steer) + bord (side)
Originally meant
the side used for steering
Background
In ancient ships, the steering oar was located on the right side, which is why it was called the 'steer board' or 'starboard'. This term has been used in English since the early Middle Ages.