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
ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
This Kentucky stew traditionally included game and livestock and was cooked in large kettles that required an oar for stirring.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 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
Long metal rods doubled as swords, oars and crutches — used as both an artistic instrument and a tool to help actors with amputations keep balance.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
This Kentucky stew traditionally included game and livestock and was cooked in large kettles that required an oar for stirring.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 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
-
While four rowers take turns on the boat, another two will follow in an RV to support, tagging in when the on-board athletes need a break.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Just inside, the 1,500-square-foot fitness studio makes the most of the same vantage point, with floor-to-ceiling windows, Peloton bikes, rowers, and space for yoga.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On Flathead Lake, families can take sailing or wakeboarding lessons, enjoy a lake cruise, or paddle a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard through the water.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
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Brian Hooker told authorities Lynette fell overboard with the boat keys, causing the engine to shut off and leaving him to paddle for hours before reaching shore.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Evelyn ran down from her seat two rows up, dropped to the ground and attempted to secure the ball in front of her.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
How does someone make the decision to spend three months rowing thousands of miles?—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Plan to kayak the aqua waters with Ecology Outfitters or rent a pontoon from Elkhart Watersports.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
31 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
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 8 May. 2026.
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