outrigger

[ out-rig-er ]

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.

outrigger

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of outrigger¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of outrigger¹

C18: from out- + rig ¹+ -er ¹; perhaps influenced by archaic outligger outlier

Example Sentences

A custom paint job on an outrigger canoe on the Ka’anapali coast.

From Los Angeles Times

This boat was plain and simple, with no sail or outrigger, and, as it moved closer, Razi saw it had some strange lettering etched on the side.

From Literature

She is also an avid athlete who competed internationally in outrigger canoeing, he said.

From Seattle Times

For days, he and his outrigger canoe were right there, too, bringing food, water, whatever survivors needed.

From New York Times

He saw the veterans as descendants of the ancient CHamoru warfighters, who had taken on the Spanish conquistadors with slings in hundreds of sail-powered outrigger canoes, circling them at two to three times their speed.

From New York Times

Related Words

• kayak