outboard motor

noun

: a small internal combustion engine with propeller integrally attached for mounting at the stern of a small boat

Examples of outboard motor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The DinghyGo takes a versatility-first approach, offering a 3-in-1 inflatable that can be sailed, rowed, or fitted with an outboard motor, with models offering capacity for up to six passengers. Omar Kardoudi march 13, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026 As the evening winds down, Venetians come and go along the canal in their own small boats with outboard motors, rippling water reflecting in the candlelight, and the ancient carving of the hotel’s façade, a Byzantine shimmer. Antonia Quirke, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Feb. 2026 There, everyone comes and goes on longboats that have awnings, a row of rudimentary seats, and a small outboard motor. Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026 The production version of Honda’s BF350 large-size outboard motor was shown in Tokyo. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outboard motor

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outboard motor was in 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outboard motor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outboard%20motor. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

outboard motor

noun
: a small internal-combustion engine with propeller attached for mounting at the stern of a small boat

More from Merriam-Webster on outboard motor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster