oar

[ awr, ohr ]

noun

1. a long shaft with a broad blade at one end, used as a lever for rowing or otherwise propelling or steering a boat.
2. something resembling this or having a similar purpose.
3. a person who rows; oarsman.

verb (used with object)

1. to propel with or as if with oars; row.
2. to traverse or make (one's way) by, or as if by, rowing.

verb (used without object)

1. to row.
2. to move or advance as if by rowing.

oar

/ ɔː /

noun

1. a long shaft of wood for propelling a boat by rowing, having a broad blade that is dipped into and pulled against the water. Oars were also used for steering certain kinds of ancient sailing boats
2. See oarsman
   short for oarsman
3. put one's oar in
   put one's oar in to interfere or interrupt

verb

1. to row or propel with or as if with oars

   the two men were oaring their way across the lake

Derived Forms

• ˈoarˌlike, adjective
• ˈoarless, adjective

Other Words From

• oarless adjective
• oarlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oar¹

before 900; Middle English ore, Old English ār; cognate with Old Norse ār

Word History and Origins

Origin of oar¹

Old English ār, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse ār

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. put in one's oar, to meddle; interfere:

   He put in his oar and was told to mind his own business.

2. rest on one's oars, to cease to make an effort; relax after exertion; stop working after success or completing a task:

   Once he became president, he was content to rest on his oars.

More idioms and phrases containing oar

see put one's oar in .

Example Sentences

A guide breaks the silence by slapping his oar on the water.

From Washington Post

Raft the Desert West’s Best River Stretches with OARS Read these tips to incredible rafting trips for families, thrill seekers, and those just looking for relaxation amid some of the country’s best scenery in Utah and Colorado.

From Outside Online

Tucked behind the crab’s claws are a pair of wide, flat arms that almost resemble oars.

From Popular-Science

A 22-inch HD touchscreen monitor, powerful speakers, and a proprietary ultrasmooth and quiet resistance system designed to mimic the pull of an oar through water combine to create a completely immersive experience.

From Outside Online

The only sound is the splash that the oars make when they hit the water.

From Ozy

Their ineptitude required the seaman to abandon his post at the tiller and man an oar himself.

From The Daily Beast

Frank leaped ashore and pushed the boat off, while Mayne held her by jamming the leeward oar into the mud.

From Project Gutenberg

There are some people who leave impressions not so lasting as the imprint of an oar upon the water.

From Project Gutenberg

A single oar used rather as rudder than paddle guides the tank to the middle of the stream, where it floats to its destination.

From Project Gutenberg

Jim and Grundy each seized an oar, and, exerting their strength, they were soon clear of the wreck.

From Project Gutenberg

And now a chase began with oar and sail, and continued till noon, when Crown Point was still some leagues away.

From Project Gutenberg