sponson

[ spon-suhn ]

noun

1. a structure projecting from the side or main deck of a vessel to support a gun or the outer edge of a paddle box.
2. a buoyant appendage at the gunwale of a canoe to resist capsizing.
3. Aeronautics. a protuberance at the side of a flying-boat hull, designed to increase lateral stability in the water.

sponson

/ ˈspɒnsən /

noun

1. navy an outboard support for a gun enabling it to fire fore and aft
2. a semicircular gun turret on the side of a tank
3. a float or flotation chamber along the gunwale of a boat or ship
4. a structural projection from the side of a paddle steamer for supporting a paddle wheel
5. a structural unit attached to a helicopter fuselage by fixed struts, housing the main landing gear and inflatable flotation bags

Word History and Origins

Origin of sponson¹

First recorded in 1825–35; variant of expansion

Word History and Origins

Origin of sponson¹

C19: perhaps from expansion

Example Sentences

In an online post in November 2007, he said there was "no way I want to own a sponson… nor do I seek to own any part of K7".

From BBC

Problem was, the new boat arrived with a damaged sponson.

From Seattle Times

One goal of the report is to encourage government agencies and other research institutions to prepare ahead of time, says Gina Coelho, a panel member and principal scientist at the Sponson Group, a private oil spill science consulting company based in Mansfield, Texas.

From Science Magazine

Salmon, who works in the engine department of aerospace company Blue Origin in Kent, got himself and the boat qualified in Madison, Ind., two weeks later and even got a heat under his sponson.

From Seattle Times

He then met, face to face, Captain Symons, who called out for some one to help him to clear away the port life-boat, which was stowed on the sponson, abaft the port paddle-box, and at the same moment leaped into the boat, using every endeavour to clear her away.

From Project Gutenberg