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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

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

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

As his vigor returned he swam the lagoon or helped Karaki at the proa.

From Where the Pavement Ends by Russell, John

The afternoon sun was waning when Peter Gross's sailing proa arrived at Sadong.

From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles

A vociferous crowd of Dyaks hastened to the beach under the misapprehension that the proa was a trader.

From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles

A few minutes later, as the sun was beginning to make its thunderclap tropic descent, the juragan, or captain of the proa issued a sharp order.

From The Argus Pheasant by Beecham, John Charles

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