'onboarding' originates from the English word 'onboard,' where 'on-' meant 'on or onto' and 'board' referred to 'a platform or surface.'

'onboard' changed from the Old English word 'on bord,' which meant 'on the ship,' and eventually became the modern English word 'onboard.'

Initially, it meant 'to board a ship or vehicle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'integrating new employees or customers.'