scull

American  

[skuhl] / skʌl /

noun

1. an oar mounted on a fulcrum at the stern of a small boat and moved from side to side to propel the boat forward.

2. either of a pair of oars rowed by one rower.

3. a boat propelled by an oar or oars.

4. a light, narrow racing boat for one, two, or sometimes four rowers, each equipped with a pair of oars.

5. sculls, a race involving such boats.

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verb (used with object)

1. to propel or convey by means of a scull or sculls.

verb (used without object)

1. to propel a boat with a scull or sculls.

scull British  

/ skʌl /

noun

1. a single oar moved from side to side over the stern of a boat to propel it

2. one of a pair of short-handled oars, both of which are pulled by one oarsman, esp in a racing shell

3. a racing shell propelled by an oarsman or oarsmen pulling two oars

4. (plural) a race between racing shells, each propelled by one, two, or four oarsmen pulling two oars

5. an act, instance, period, or distance of sculling

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verb

1. to propel (a boat) with a scull

Other Word Forms

• sculler noun

Etymology

Origin of scull

1300–50; Middle English sculle < ?

Example Sentences

First, the current world champion in the women's single scull will compete in the rowing events in Tokyo, and then next March she is hoping to compete in cross-country skiing at the Beijing Winter Paralympics.

From BBC

A few etymologists liken the scooped blade of the scull to the hollow basin of the skull—and others have argued that humans once made these drinking-bowls from actual human skulls.

From Salon

Kara Kohler was the other top medal hope for the U.S. in women’s single sculls, but the bronze medalist at the 2019 world championships didn’t make the Olympic final in Tokyo.

From Seattle Times

Their two medals - in men's quadruple sculls and the men's eight respectively - is the team's lowest haul since Atlanta 1996, and the first time GB has failed to win a gold medal since 1980.

From BBC

The final day of Olympic rowing also delivered thrills when Greece’s Stefanos Ntouskos upset the favourites in the men’s single sculls and Canada ended U.S. dominance of the women’s eights.

From Reuters

Related Words

• drift
• navigate
• slop
• splash
• wade