Skip to main content
poster board

poster board

6 2.1
A thick, stiff piece of cardboard used to make posters and signs
  • noun
  • /ˈpoʊstər bɔrd/
translation icon : cartulina
  • We wrote the worksheet on large poster board and displayed it in the classroom for the duration of the project.
  • laminated poster board

But you know, to put this in practical terms, if there's an issue in today's society that I don't agree with, you're not going to find me in town holding a poster board.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Poster board has a smooth, clay-coated surface which reflects more light than construction paper.

    Academic text (1994)
  • She used a large piece of poster board to showcase her artwork at the exhibition.

  • So I put a big sign on a big white poster board on my door in red letters I wrote, do you have your keys?

  • Regular poster board is available in a much greater variety of colors.

    Academic text (1999)
  • I'm pretty sure that we need some poster board or something to put this on.

  • Also needed are several pieces of day-glo poster board for color.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Poster board and construction paper are available at art and craft supply shops.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Day-glo poster board gives especially good colors in any kind of light, especially when using black light.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The assignment was to read a biography and create a poster board that highlighted that person's life and major achievements.

    Blog text (27)
  • If high humidity is not a problem, and if you're the frugal sort, you can use poster board from an office supply store instead.

    Academic text (2004)

Synonyms

cardboard
vsposter board
147 1.0

A stiff, thick paper used to make boxes and signs

is smoother and aimed especially at signs and displays
posterboard
vsposter board
1 3.1

A thick, stiff paper used to make posters and signs

is the spaced two-word form with identical meaning
paperboard
vsposter board
1 3.7

A thick, stiff type of paper used for boxes and signs

is narrower, focusing on smooth surface for visible displays
pasteboard
vsposter board
1 7.0

A strong, stiff cardboard made by gluing paper layers

is smoother and chosen for visible posters and signs
composition board
vsposter board
  • Specialized
6.5

A stiff, thick paper used for making covers or mounting pictures

is chosen more for visual displays rather than backing use
boxboard
vsposter board
  • Specialized
5.5

Thick, stiff paper used to make boxes and packaging

is aimed at visible posters and displays rather than packaging

How Stiff

plywood
43 3.2
poster board
6 2.1
cardstock
4 3.4
foam
74 2.6
paper
1.0

Surface Forms

poster board singular
poster boards plural

Morphology

poster + board

The meaning 'a stiff board used for making posters' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'poster' (something displayed) with 'board' (a flat piece of material) — i.e., a board for posters. This is a regular English noun–noun compound with a clear compositional relation (and analogous constructions exist in many other languages), so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Poster board comes from the simple idea of a stiff board used for a poster. Imagine a flat, strong sheet you can write on or glue pictures to. That's why the name means the firm cardboard people use 'to make posters' and signs.