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'Boarders’ or ‘Borders’: What’s the Difference?

By:
Shaun Connell
 Updated
August 4, 2023

Are you wondering whether you should use 'boarders' or 'borders,' and what's the difference?

Here is the short answer: 

  • 'Boarders' is a noun that means someone who lives at a place that provides lodging and meals.
  • 'Borders' is a noun or verb that means the outer edge or boundary lines between two geographical areas or to create a. 

The brief explanation above gives you an overview of what these terms mean. Keep reading to learn more about these definitions and how to use these words correctly.

What's the Difference Between 'Boarders' or 'Borders?'

'Boarders' and 'borders' are nouns that sound similar but have different meanings and spellings. Therefore, they are homophones. The latter term is also a verb.

The first term, spelled with an a, means people living where the meals, utilities, and lodgings are included. These people typically live in someone else's home and pay one fee for everything.

'Borders' are boundary lines that indicate the beginning and end of a territory or geographical region. The term may also mean the edge of something like a piece of paper. It may also refer to a space around the edge of something that creates a space and can also mean a decorative edge on something.

Definition of 'Boarders': What Does 'Boarders' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of 'boarders' is:

  • Someone that boards

It can also mean:

  • One that is provided lodging and regular meals or regular meals
  • Someone that skateboards, snowboards, or wakeboarders

Synonyms of 'Boarders'

  • Lodger
  • Tenant
  • Resident
  • Guest
  • Roommate
  • Roomie
  • Occupant
  • Resider
  • Occupier
  • Lodger
  • Leasee
  • Skateboarder
  • Wakeboarder
  • Snowboarder

Definition of 'Borders': What Does 'Borders' Mean?

The same source defines 'borders' as a noun that means:

  • An outer part or edge

It can also mean:

  • A design on the edge of fabric, rugs, or paper
  • A digital format on the edge of a graphic

It can also be a verb that means:

  • To put a border on something
  • To touch or outline the perimeter of something
  • To lie on or be located on the border
  • To approach the edge of something or be on the verge of something

Synonyms of 'Borders'

  • Edges
  • Verges
  • Margins
  • Confines
  • Rims
  • Skirts
  • Brims
  • Fringes
  • Ends
  • Outskirts
  • Frames
  • Cusps
  • Hems
  • Crests
  • Brinks

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Boarders' or 'Borders'

Next, we will look at the pronunciation of these two terms. Pronunciation is essential for writing poems or greeting cards, but it also helps you with verbal communication, like speeches.

So, here is a pronunciation guide you can follow. 

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'boarders' correctly:

bor-der

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'borders' correctly:

bor-der

As you can see, these terms have the same pronunciation despite their spelling differences.

When and How to Use 'Boarders'or 'Borders'

Let's look at different ways to use 'boarders' or 'borders.'

  • Use 'boarders' to refer to people who live in someone else's house or a shared home where they are provided with meals.

As an example, you might say:

My grandmother used to run a bed and breakfast, and it was always interesting to meet the new boarders. 

  • Use 'boarders' to refer to people who ride on skates, snow, or wakeboards.

For example, I might say:

Do you want to go with me this weekend to watch the boarders? There is a new snowboarder who I would love to see. 

  • Use 'borders' as a verb to say that something sits on the edge of a territory.

So, you could say:

The southern edge of the United States borders Mexico. 

  • Use 'borders' to refer to the line between two countries.

For example, you might hear someone say:

The United States shares borders with Canada and Mexico. 

  • Use 'borders' to indicate an area along the edge of something.

As an example, a printer might ask you:

What size do you want the borders on the edge of the banner to be?

  • Use 'borders' to refer to an ornamental edge.

For example, you could say:

I loved that house, but the outdated borders in the kitchen and bathrooms have to go. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Boarder' or 'Borders'

Here are some sample sentences using 'boarders' or 'borders.' Read them to learn more ways to use each word.

Boarders

  • How many boarders are currently living in your home?
  • Do you ever watch the boarders at the skate park? There are a lot of amazing amateur skaters.
  • Have you ever considered adding a small home where you could house boarders? It might be an excellent way to make some extra money.
  • Maybe you should write a book about the boarders that you met when you were growing up.
  • A real estate writer may be able to help you write an advertisement that is more appealing to boarders.

Borders

  • In the 80s and 90s, many homes featured wallpaper borders. Removing those borders is a pain, but it helps to update a property.
  • During the presentation, she borders the property to point out features on each side of the parcel of land.
  • If you give your book editor a paper manuscript, they will likely write notes on the borders of the pages.
  • We had to replace the fence that borders the west edge of our property.
  • One of the most challenging jobs I have had as a writer was writing product descriptions for decorative borders. It seemed simple, but it was mind-numbing.

Recap of the Difference Between 'Boarders' or 'Borders'

Before you go, let's quickly recap the difference between 'boarders' and 'borders':

  • 'Boarders' is a noun for people who live in a boarding house or ride skate, snow, or wakeboards. 
  • 'Borders' can be a noun or verb that means the outer edge or to outline the outer edge of something. 

As a writer, it is essential to work on your craft constantly. The posts here should help you improve your skills and learn new and beneficial ways to market yourself to new clients.

So, before you go, check out some of the other grammar and writing guides. You can also find writing jobs and tips for applying for them. So, come back often.

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Written By:
Shaun Connell
Shaun Connell has spent his entire career either working as a freelance writer or hiring freelance writers for his many successful publications. Shaun has learned the exact tricks of the trade to hire the perfect writer for almost any niche.

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