Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

across the board

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.94 in modern English

Syllables: across the board
IPA

22

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

1

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

Pertaining to all categories or things.

prep_phrase

Having an equal amount staked on a competitor placing first, second, or third.

prep_phrase

Of a move or sequence of play, made in response to developments occurring in the game, as opposed to pre-planned or according to theory.

Example Sentences

"[…]in favor of a straight across-the-board salary increase[…]"
"A common technique (variously known as an emergency brake or meat axe budgeting) used by governments is across-the-board cuts;"
"Chile provides the region's best example of a country that has successfully reformed its core public administration across the board."
""I like the young, andro look, but I've dated across the board—butches, femmes, trannies—and that really bothers Clara."

Etymology

Originated with horse racing, where an "across the board" bet was one which covered first, second and third on the betting board.

Inflected Forms

across-the-board (alternative)

Questions

What does across the board mean?: Pertaining to all categories or things.
Where does across the board come from?: Originated with horse racing, where an "across the board" bet was one which covered first, second and third on the betting board.

How to pronounce across the board

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “across the board”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “across the board”.
Repeat and practice — Say “across the board” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.