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outboard motor

American  

noun

  1. a portable gasoline engine with propeller and tiller, clamped on the stern of a boat.


Etymology

Origin of outboard motor

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The flagellum comprises more than 30 distinct parts, so similar to those of an outboard motor that biologists speak of the flagellum’s propeller, drive shaft and so forth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The yachtsmen pulled over to ask two loggers for help, and one of the loggers noticed an improperly secured outboard motor in the back seat of the rental car.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

The family was aboard the Pangaboat, a small boat with an outboard motor, along with several other people when it capsized at Del Mar Beach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2025

Dr Eid says the use of boats with an outboard motor - known as peque-peque - is also bringing change.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2024

It had an outboard motor and four seats.

From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt

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