outrigger

noun

out·​rig·​ger ˈau̇t-ˌri-gər 

1

a

: a projection with a float or a shaped log at the end attached to a boat to prevent capsizing

b

: a spar or projecting beam run out from a ship's side to help secure the masts or from a mast to extend a rope or sail

2

: a boat equipped with an outrigger

3

: a projecting member run out from a main structure to provide additional stability or to support something

especially : a projecting frame to support the elevator or tailplanes of an airplane or the rotor of a helicopter

Illustration of outrigger

• outrigger 2

Examples of outrigger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And Ami just loses her footing and falls off the outrigger. —EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025

The Sentinelese hunt in the rainforest and fish in the coastal waters using spears, bows and arrows, as well as homemade narrow outrigger canoes, according to Survival International. —Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025

Travelers interested in Polynesian culture may want to test the resort’s traditional outrigger canoe on a trip to one of the surrounding private islets that share an atoll with the Brando. —Laura Begley Bloom, AFAR Media, 25 Feb. 2025

Other notable offerings are an in-room cacao ceremony or massage, outrigger canoe trips complete with sea turtle or whale viewing, depending on the time of year, or a floating sound bath. —Laura Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outrigger

• obligor
• bigger
• digger
• jigger
• rigger
• rigor
• trigger
• vigor
• gravedigger

Kids Definition

outrigger

noun

out·​rig·​ger ˈau̇t-ˌrig-ər 

1

: a frame that extends from the side of a boat to prevent upsetting

2

: a boat equipped with an outrigger