proa

American  

[proh-uh] / ˈproʊ ə /

noun

1. any of various types of Indonesian boats, especially a swift Malay sailing boat built with the lee side flat and balanced by a single outrigger.

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proa British  

/ ˈprəʊə /

noun

1. any of several kinds of canoe-like boats used in the South Pacific, esp one equipped with an outrigger and sails

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Etymology

Origin of proa

1575–85; < Malay pərahu, pərau (spelling perahu ) (< Kannada paḍahu, or a cognate Dravidian word); probably influenced by Spanish or Portuguese proa prow ¹, bow

Example Sentences

Three years later, Mr. Newick designed his version of an ancient Polynesian outrigger canoe known as a proa.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2013

The proa was nearing the beach when a white flag was hoisted on her deck.

From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles

Two days after Koyala had reported the murder of the Sadonger to Peter Gross a swift proa approached the harbor.

From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles

"The Argus Pheasant will fly to Sadong faster than your proa," she said.

From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles

The proa had not gone a hundred yards before it was seen that the stern was settling.

From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles