weatherboard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (construction, carpentry, nautical), Regional (ANZ).
Quick answer
What does “weatherboard” mean?
A sloping board or piece of cladding fitted to the external wall of a building, especially at the eaves, to throw rainwater clear and protect the wall.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sloping board or piece of cladding fitted to the external wall of a building, especially at the eaves, to throw rainwater clear and protect the wall.
1) The nautical term for the side of a ship facing the wind (windward side). 2) In Australian and New Zealand English, a type of house cladding consisting of long, thin, overlapping horizontal boards (often called 'weatherboards' collectively).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'weatherboard' is a specific architectural component (a board to deflect rain) or can refer to cladding style. In the US, the specific component is less commonly referenced; the term 'clapboard' is more standard for wooden siding. In US nautical contexts, 'weatherboard' is understood but 'windward side' is more common.
Connotations
UK: technical/architectural specificity. US: archaic or highly technical in construction; standard nautical term.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English. Higher frequency in UK/Australian/NZ construction contexts. Rare in everyday US English.
Grammar
How to Use “weatherboard” in a Sentence
[NP] fitted a weatherboard to [NP][NP] is clad in weatherboardsThe ship listed to weatherboard.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weatherboard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The carpenter will weatherboard the gable end to prevent driving rain penetration.
- We need to weatherboard that exposed section before winter.
American English
- (Rare, but possible) They decided to weatherboard the addition to match the historic clapboard style.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial use.)
American English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- The weatherboard detailing was essential for the traditional design.
- They chose a weatherboard finish for the extension.
American English
- (Rare) The weatherboard trim was painted a contrasting colour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In construction supply, refers to a specific product line.
Academic
Used in architectural history or nautical studies.
Everyday
Uncommon; used mainly by homeowners, builders, or sailors.
Technical
Precise term in building construction, carpentry, and sailing manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weatherboard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weatherboard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weatherboard”
- Using 'weatherboard' as a general synonym for 'wall' or 'siding'. Confusing 'weatherboard' (component) with 'fascia' or 'soffit'. Incorrectly using it as a verb outside ANZ English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, especially in the US, they are often synonyms for a type of wooden siding. Historically and technically, a 'weatherboard' can be a specific component (e.g., at the eaves), while 'clapboard' refers specifically to the overlapping board style.
Yes, primarily in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, meaning 'to fit or clad with weatherboards' (e.g., 'They weatherboarded the extension'). This usage is less common in American English.
It refers to the windward side of a ship (the side facing the direction from which the wind is blowing). An archaic term for this is 'weather bow'.
It is a specialised term confined to specific trades (carpentry, sailing) and regional dialects (ANZ). Most people encounter it only if involved in building renovation, historic architecture, or sailing.
A sloping board or piece of cladding fitted to the external wall of a building, especially at the eaves, to throw rainwater clear and protect the wall.
Weatherboard is usually technical (construction, carpentry, nautical), regional (anz). in register.
Weatherboard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɛðəbɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɛðərbɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the weatherboard (nautical: positioned windward)”
- “Weatherboard the house (ANZ: to clad with weatherboards).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A board that WEATHERS the storm, protecting the wall from the WEATHER.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD (the board shields the wall); DIRECTION IS A SIDE (the windward side of the ship).
Practice
Quiz
In Australian English, 'weatherboard' most commonly refers to: