oarlock

[ awr-lok, ohr- ]

noun

1. any of various devices providing a pivot for an oar in rowing, especially a swiveling, crutchlike or ringlike metal device projecting above a gunwale.

oarlock

/ ˈɔːˌlɒk /

noun

1. a swivelling device attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds an oar in place and acts as a fulcrum during rowing Also calledrowlock

Word History and Origins

Origin of oarlock¹

before 1100; Middle English orlok, Old English ārloc. See oar, lock ¹

Example Sentences

As I bent to the oarlock a weakness ran all through my body.

From Literature

He asks for another tweak to the angle of his oarlock.

From Washington Times

Emma clung to me and I clung to the oarlock; behind us Hugh held on to the seat with his arms.

From Literature

I lost my grip on one of the paddles and it slipped through the oarlock, floating away.

From New York Times

He turned his face to the water, fiddling with his oarlock so the others would not see.

From Literature