motherboard

IPA/ˈmʌðəbɔːd/
KK[mˈʌðɚbˌɔrd]IPA/ˈmʌðərbɔːrd/

motherboard — noun

  • motherboardsingular
  • motherboardsplural

1. a flat board inside a computer that holds the main processing chip and connects

1.nounB2
Definition

a flat board inside a computer that holds the main processing chip and connects every other component such as memory and drives so they can work together.

Example

The technician replaced the damaged motherboard in the office computer.

collocation: replace a motherboard

A motherboard connects the processor, memory, and hard drives inside the tower.

connects processor, memory, and drives

Common collocations
  • replace a motherboard
  • install a motherboard
  • damaged motherboard
  • motherboard failure
  • motherboard design
  • motherboard manufacturer
Synonyms
  • main board

    less formal, sometimes used interchangeably but less precise

  • system board

    more formal or technical term used in documentation and manuals

  • logic board

    Apple's term for the same component in Mac computers, not used for PCs

Grammar Patterns

the motherboard

a motherboard

Usage Note

Typically used with 'the' when referring to a specific computer's main board. Frequently appears in technical contexts about hardware repair or assembly.

Common Mistakes

I need to upgrade my motherboard to make the computer run faster.
I need to upgrade my processor to make the computer run faster.
The processor (CPU) determines processing speed; the motherboard provides connections between components.

Word family

  • mainboard
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four terms all refer to the central circuit board of a computer, but they differ in formality and context. 'Motherboard' is the standard everyday term used by both professionals and general users. 'Main board' is a less formal alternative that occasionally appears in casual conversation but lacks technical precision. 'System board' is more formal and appears in hardware documentation, server manuals, and enterprise IT contexts — it sounds more official but is less common in daily use. 'Logic board' is exclusive to Apple products; if you call a PC's motherboard a 'logic board,' most technicians will assume you are referring to a Mac. For general use, 'motherboard' is always the safest choice. For example: 'The motherboard inside my PC stopped working' sounds natural, while 'the system board requires replacement' suits a repair invoice, and 'the logic board on my MacBook failed' is correct only for Apple hardware.

motherboard ↗main boardlogic boardsystem board

Common collocations

Nouns

  • motherboard connector
  • motherboard tray
  • motherboard manual

Prepositions

  • on the motherboard
  • inside the motherboard

Etymology

English

The word is a compound of 'mother' (meaning 'main' or 'primary') and 'board' (short for 'circuit board'). The term appeared in the 1970s as personal computers became common; the main circuit board was called the 'mother' because all other components connect to it like children to a parent.