bodyboard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical (Sports)
Quick answer
What does “bodyboard” mean?
A short, rectangular, foam board used for riding waves in a prone or kneeling position, typically shorter and softer than a surfboard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, rectangular, foam board used for riding waves in a prone or kneeling position, typically shorter and softer than a surfboard.
The activity or sport of riding waves using such a board. Also refers to the board as a piece of sporting equipment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically. The trademark "Boogie Board" (from Morey Boogie) is equally recognised in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Seen as a more accessible, less technical form of wave riding compared to surfing.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, possibly due to its popularity as a common beach activity. In the US, "surfing" is the dominant umbrella term.
Grammar
How to Use “bodyboard” in a Sentence
[Subject] bodyboards [at/in Location][Subject] goes bodyboarding[Subject] rides a bodyboardVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bodyboard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The kids spent the whole afternoon bodyboarding in the gentle surf.
- He's learning to bodyboard properly before trying to surf.
American English
- We're going to bodyboard at La Jolla Shores this weekend.
- She bodyboarded the biggest wave of the day.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He's a talented bodyboard rider.
- The bodyboard community is quite tight-knit.
American English
- She bought a new bodyboard leash.
- The bodyboard competition drew a large crowd.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of sporting goods retail or tourism (e.g., 'The shop saw a 20% increase in bodyboard sales').
Academic
Very rare, potentially in sports science or tourism studies.
Everyday
Common in coastal communities, beach holiday contexts, and general conversation about water sports.
Technical
Standard in the lexicon of surfing and water sports, with specific terms for board types (e.g., prone vs. drop-knee), materials, and maneuvers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bodyboard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bodyboard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bodyboard”
- Misspelling as 'body board' (two words). Using it as a general term for any small surfboard. Incorrect verb form: 'I bodyboarded' is standard, not 'I bodyboard' for past tense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct sports within wave riding. Bodyboarding uses a shorter, foam board and is done lying down (prone) or on one's knees. Surfing typically uses a longer, hard board and is done standing up.
While it is possible to start independently, a basic lesson on safety, wave selection, and paddling technique is highly recommended to accelerate learning and prevent injury.
Essential equipment includes swim fins for propulsion, a leash to keep the board attached to your wrist, and appropriate swimwear. A wetsuit is needed in colder water.
No. Competent swimming skills are an absolute prerequisite for bodyboarding, as you will be in moving ocean water and can be separated from your board.
A short, rectangular, foam board used for riding waves in a prone or kneeling position, typically shorter and softer than a surfboard.
Bodyboard is usually informal, technical (sports) in register.
Bodyboard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒd.i.bɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑː.di.bɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Catch a wave on a bodyboard”
- “Get pitted (slang for riding inside the curl of a wave, used in both surfing and bodyboarding)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your BODY lying on a BOARD in the water. It's a board for your body, not for standing on.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAVE RIDING IS A SPORT; THE BOARD IS A VEHICLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key physical difference between a bodyboard and a traditional surfboard?