as in rower
a person who drives a boat forward by means of oars
"All oars ho!" the boatswain ordered
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oar
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
The past resurfaces thanks to climate change Iron spearheads, arrow shafts, now fragments, and even a mysterious oar — which struck archaeologists as out of place— gave them a clear picture with puzzling details as to the significance of the site, as these objects had been finely carved.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025
Caroline Van Hemert, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Mute swans do put on bursts of speed by oaring with their huge webbed feet.
—National Geographic, 19 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for oar
Noun
This Kentucky stew traditionally included game and livestock and was cooked in large kettles that required an oar for stirring.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
The past resurfaces thanks to climate change Iron spearheads, arrow shafts, now fragments, and even a mysterious oar — which struck archaeologists as out of place— gave them a clear picture with puzzling details as to the significance of the site, as these objects had been finely carved.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025
Verb
For centuries, Vikings navigated these waters by sail and oar; today, ferries and charter boats offer comfortable, scenic access to the islands.
—Caroline Van Hemert, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Mute swans do put on bursts of speed by oaring with their huge webbed feet.
—National Geographic, 19 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for oar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oar
Noun
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The latter include Sebastian Bea, a former longtime BlackRock executive and Olympic rower, who is now President of a digital asset treasury called ReserveOne.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
3 Dec. 2025
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The Boating Party, on the other hand, features an athletic rower in smart clothing, perched front and center.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Even before the expedition reached land, Islanders had gone out to the ships, paddling canoes or reed bundles, or just swimming, unafraid and unarmed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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When boat rentals stop for the winter, plan to take a walk around the basin instead of paddling on it for equally impressive views.—
Cailey Rizzo,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Learn to row a traditional wooden boat known as a punt or go trout fishing in one of the island’s ponds.—
Carolyn Heller,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The best way to see it (from the outside only) is by renting a boat for two and rowing out into the Connecticut River.—
Cailey Rizzo,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In addition to the standard seaside activities, parkgoers can kayak to secluded coves, clam for their dinner, fish, and surf.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2026
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At 16, the Hoopa Valley tribal member was about to kayak more than 300 miles down the Klamath River from its headwaters in southern Oregon.—
The Editors,
Outside,
15 Dec. 2025
Verb
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My childhood was spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains, camping in the Peaks of Otter, and canoeing down the James River.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Dec. 2025
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Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota Between the Superior National Forest, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and Voyageurs National Park, northeastern Minnesota is a dream for kayakers and those who canoe.—
Emilee Coblentz,
Outside,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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