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. See rigger
   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

The frame incorporates plastic wings that extend beyond the sides of the lens like outriggers to help distribute pressure from the strap, thus creating a uniform fit.

From Outside Online

Only one boat was moving, a long canoe with an outrigger; and from this something white was slowly waving.

From Project Gutenberg

For a moment the canoe rocked in spite of its steadying outrigger, with the violence of the activities aboard it.

From Project Gutenberg

The outrigger acts as a weight on the windward side, to prevent the narrow canoe from being blown over on the opposite side.

From Project Gutenberg

This I consider to be a more natural sequence than to suppose the outrigger invented as a means of steadying the dug-out canoe.

From Project Gutenberg

Wilkes says that whenever the outrigger gets to the leeward side, there is almost invariably an upset.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• kayak