outrigger

American  

[out-rig-er] / ˈaʊtˌrɪg ər /

noun

1. a framework extended outboard from the side of a boat, especially, as in South Pacific canoes, supporting a float that gives stability.

2. a bracket extending outward from the side of a racing shell, to support an oarlock.

3. the shell itself.

4. a spar rigged out from a ship's rail or the like, as for extending a sail.

5. a long, flexible rod, attached to a fishing boat near the stern, along which a fishing line may be threaded to keep it clear of the boat's wake when trolling.

6. a structure extending outward from a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft to increase stability or provide support for something.

7. a projecting beam, as for supporting a hoisting tackle.

8. a horizontal steel beam extending the base of a crane.

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outrigger British  

/ ˈaʊtˌrɪɡə /

noun

1. a framework for supporting a pontoon outside and parallel to the hull of a boat to provide stability

2. a boat equipped with such a framework, esp one of the canoes of the South Pacific

3. any projecting framework attached to a boat, aircraft, building, etc, to act as a support

4. rowing another name for rigger

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Etymology

Origin of outrigger

First recorded in 1740–50; out- + rig + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Which is also important, because I didn’t want to retrigger anybody reading these poems, I didn’t want them to have to go through the process of rehashing somebody’s death.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2022

Insensitive or overly intrusive interviewing can quickly retrigger trauma, yet many of those who agreed to speak to us were desperate for their stories to be heard.

From The Guardian • Jul. 5, 2018

Related Words

• kayak