oar 1 of 2

noun

ˈȯr How to pronounce oar (audio)
Definition of oarnext
as in rower
a person who drives a boat forward by means of oars "All oars ho!" the boatswain ordered

Synonyms & Similar Words

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oar

2 of 2

verb

as in to paddle
to move a boat by means of oars since the wind had completely died, they had to oar the sailboat back to shore

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of oar
Noun
On a Boston escalator, a few people pull imaginary oars, and the commuters around them reach for an oar of their own. — Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026 The virtual oar-yanking celebration in a baseball atmosphere was one of those weird juxtapositions that seem to get fostered whenever a World Cup fanbase descends upon a host city. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
For centuries, Vikings navigated these waters by sail and oar; today, ferries and charter boats offer comfortable, scenic access to the islands. — Caroline Van Hemert, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oar
  1. rower
  2. paddle
  3. row
  4. kayak
  5. canoe
Noun
  • The show’s lead Miku Martineau and her pack of rowers hit the open water to soak up as much information about the sport as possible.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Keeping up with Rådström, a former rower for the Swedish national team, was a challenge, Berg says, but the two became fast friends.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of rower
Verb
  • The annual pumpkin regatta will take place Sunday, with contestants carving giant pumpkins into boats and paddling them across the park’s small lake.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Cime Aventure leads paddling excursions on the Bonaventure River, one of the clearest in the world, and a highlight on the Gaspésie Tour.
    — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of paddle
Verb
  • When the first Women’s Boat Race was held in 1927, the Oxford and Cambridge crews were not permitted to compete directly against each other, so each team rowed separate races and were assessed on both style and speed.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Several editors arrived straight from the LFW front rows to party with Kim, the third day of shows following be damned.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • Visitors can kayak through salt marshes, take dolphin cruises, visit neighboring Sullivan’s Island, and dine at casual seafood restaurants.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
  • From late September through October, visitors can stroll the Reno Riverwalk, explore Rancho San Rafael Park or venture to nearby North Lake Tahoe to kayak crystal-clear waters and hike Monkey Rock for sweeping lake and foliage views.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of kayak
Verb
  • Before tucking into an unforgettable meal, head to the Pickering Creek Audubon Center to hike or canoe around the marsh, or spend a couple of hours exploring the historic downtown area.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026
  • On the surface level, there are over 80 miles of trails, with varying degrees of difficulty and opportunities to canoe, kayak, or boat on the Green River.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 15 June 2026
Definition of canoe

Browse Nearby Words

oafs
oar
oared
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Cite this Entry

“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oar

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