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 Head of the Charles Regatta kicks off in Boston Friday morning and one special team of rowers has its eye on history.
    — Amanda Callahan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Rådström—a former elite rower—knows a lot about competing at the highest level.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rower
Verb
  • For starters, small robots that can hop over debris and paddle through water using the same limbs are useful in inspections and search-and-rescue operations in debris-heavy sites.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Clotilde Charpentier, who could play music no better than a hen could float and paddle in the Patriarch’s Ponds, would walk behind John’s coffin, with a heavy black veil to shield herself from the January wind and people’s appraising looks.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of paddle
Verb
  • This is Michael Skinner's first time rowing as a single in the Head of the Charles.
    — Amanda Callahan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oar

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