as in rower
a person who drives a boat forward by means of oars
"All oars ho!" the boatswain ordered
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oar
Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
Now as sailors stepped out into the surf, a great crowd tried to take oars off the first sloop.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
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
His left oar became wedged in the tangle of wood.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
Now as sailors stepped out into the surf, a great crowd tried to take oars off the first sloop.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
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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Brittin is also a former Olympic rower, having represented Great Britain in 1988.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
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Athletes seeking their new professional passion upon retirement should be looking out for a good energy match, the champion rower advises.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hop in a canoe, and prepare to paddle over to Sullivan's Crossing.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
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Take a hike on the North Pond Wildlife Trail to spot wildlife, relax on the beach, or take a canoe or kayak to paddle around the marshy channels.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What Happens Before Takeoff Before departure, flight attendants walk through the exit rows to ensure everything is ready.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
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Coach Mike DuPont, who rowed collegiately at the University of Minnesota, started the club years earlier in part to help provide a place for his four nephews to row.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Plan to kayak the aqua waters with Ecology Outfitters or rent a pontoon from Elkhart Watersports.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
31 Mar. 2026
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To take your trip beyond the town limits, kayak the river with a rental from Hudson Paddles or head to the Empire State Trail, which has an entry point just blocks from downtown.—
Sarah Cahalan,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Try canoeing the Colorado River, ATV riding on the Imperial Sand Dunes, or sample fresh produce because Yuma delights with plentiful agritourism, too.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside,
4 Jan. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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