skateboard
UK[ˈskeɪtbɔːd]US[ˈskeɪtbɔːrd]
n
a short, narrow board with two small wheels fixed to the bottom of either end, which a person stands on and rides by pushing one foot against the ground.
v
to ride on a skateboard.
Morpheme Breakdown
skate
board
skate
board
Etymology
the word 'skateboard' is a modern compound, formed in the mid-20th century from the pre-existing english words 'skate' and 'board'. 'skate' entered english from dutch 'schaats', originally referring to a stilt or leg bone, which evolved to denote the ice skate due to the similarity in shape and gliding motion. 'board' has germanic origins, from old english 'bord', meaning a flat, plank-like piece of wood. the compound logically combines the concept of gliding ('skate') with the physical form of a plank ('board') to name the wheeled recreational device, drawing a direct analogy to ice skating but on a solid surface.
Analysis
Structure: skate + board
skate (from dutch schaats, meaning "stilt, leg bone," later "ice skate"; functional role: base noun indicating the gliding motion) + board (from old english bord, meaning "plank, flat surface"; functional role: base noun indicating the object's form).
Examples
he performed an impressive trick on his new skateboard.
the city built a new park where kids can safely skateboard.
she carried her skateboard under her arm as she walked home.