oarlock

noun

oar·​lock ˈȯr-ˌläk How to pronounce oarlock (audio)
: a usually U-shaped device for holding an oar in place

Examples of oarlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But see him now, his taut arms and tight fists gripping the oars, balanced in their oarlocks. Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2020 All of this made the sweet relief of arriving, often after dark, even more memorable: the cool, fragrant air; the stars; falling asleep to the lake water lapping and oarlocks knocking. Suzanne Carmick, New York Times, 6 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oarlock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oarlock was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near oarlock

Cite this Entry

“Oarlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oarlock. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

oarlock

noun
oar·​lock ˈō(ə)r-ˌläk How to pronounce oarlock (audio)
ˈȯ(ə)r-
: a usually U-shaped device for holding an oar in place

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