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. short for oarsman
3. 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

Slap the water with your paddle, oar or hand.

From Los Angeles Times

It was their influence that led him to first pick up an oar at Castle Dore Rowing Club.

From BBC

You must know that his sword was as wide as the oars of a boat and could cut down a galloping warhorse.

From Literature

Next, using that remarkable, newly discovered tool, his rodent teeth, he made two long oars, or sweeps, which he placed in notches he had gnawed out for oarlocks.

From Literature

Here, residents travel via boat and oar along miles of tree-lined canals, transporting flowers, vegetables and other products harvested on the artificial islands known as chinampas that were a mainstay of Aztec agriculture.

From Los Angeles Times