scull

[ skuhl ]

noun

1. an oar mounted on a fulcrum at the stern of a small boat and moved from side to side to propel the boat forward.
2. either of a pair of oars rowed by one rower.
3. a boat propelled by an oar or oars.
4. a light, narrow racing boat for one, two, or sometimes four rowers, each equipped with a pair of oars.
5. sculls, a race involving such boats. Compare double sculls, single sculls.

verb (used with object)

1. to propel or convey by means of a scull or sculls.

verb (used without object)

1. to propel a boat with a scull or sculls.

scull

/ skʌl /

noun

1. a single oar moved from side to side over the stern of a boat to propel it
2. one of a pair of short-handled oars, both of which are pulled by one oarsman, esp in a racing shell
3. a racing shell propelled by an oarsman or oarsmen pulling two oars
4. plural a race between racing shells, each propelled by one, two, or four oarsmen pulling two oars
5. an act, instance, period, or distance of sculling

verb

1. to propel (a boat) with a scull

Derived Forms

• ˈsculler, noun

Other Words From

• sculler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scull¹

1300–50; Middle English sculle < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of scull¹

C14: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

She also said that she “heard the scull break.”

From Literature

These classes teach beginners in small groups to scull in stable, single boats, emphasizing boat skills and introducing rowers to larger boats.

From Seattle Times

By the time the council's Rendlesham Revealed four-year community dig began in 2022, archaeologists knew it was the location of an important Anglo-Saxon settlement, but archaeologist Prof Chris Scull said its "scale is beyond anything anyone would have predicted when we first recognised the site".

From BBC

Prof Scull said: "The king would arrive, people would congregate, he would feast his local followers, fairs and markets would be held."

From BBC

Prof Scull said it all suggests "we have been underestimating the sophistication and capacity of the societies of 5th to 7th Century England" seeing them as post-Roman barbarians.

From BBC

Related Words

• oar