draughtboard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal, Technical (specific to board games, design, or zoology)
Quick answer
What does “draughtboard” mean?
A checkerboard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A checkerboard; a square board marked with 64 alternating light and dark squares, used for playing checkers (draughts) or chess.
The distinctive, alternating square pattern resembling a checkerboard. In zoology, the term can refer to animals, particularly certain fish or snakes, with a similar colour pattern.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'draughtboard' is the standard term for the board used in the game of 'draughts'. In American English, the equivalent terms are 'checkerboard' for the board and 'checkers' for the game.
Connotations
The British term may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned to American ears. The American 'checkerboard' is universally understood and more frequent globally.
Frequency
Extremely rare in American English; 'checkerboard' is almost exclusively used. In British English, it is standard but less common than 'chessboard' in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “draughtboard” in a Sentence
[Adj] + draughtboarddraughtboard + [of + NP] (e.g., pattern of a draughtboard)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “draughtboard” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fish had a striking draughtboard pattern on its flank.
American English
- The fish had a striking checkerboard pattern on its flank.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In biological taxonomy to describe the skin pattern of certain species.
Everyday
Referring to the board for playing draughts/checkers. Rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in game design, manufacturing of board games, and zoological descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “draughtboard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “draughtboard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “draughtboard”
- Spelling: 'Draftboard' (common American misspelling that changes meaning).
- Confusion: Using 'draughtboard' to refer to a drawing board or a beer serving system ('draught beer').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are physically identical (an 8x8 grid), but the terms refer to different games. A draughtboard is for draughts/checkers, a chessboard is for chess. In practice, the same board is often used for both.
In British English, it is pronounced like 'draft' (/drɑːft/). The 'gh' is silent, as in 'draught beer'.
The direct American equivalent is 'checkerboard'.
Yes, though it's less common. It can be used attributively, as in 'draughtboard pattern', to describe anything with alternating squares like a checkerboard.
A checkerboard.
Draughtboard is usually formal, technical (specific to board games, design, or zoology) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DRAFT of air blowing over a BOARD for a game. In the UK, you draft a plan and play draughts on a draughtboard.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDER/STRUCTURE IS A GRID; The draughtboard metaphorically represents an ordered, alternating system.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'draughtboard' LEAST likely to be used?