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
Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
Our boat had oarlocks, but not oars.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 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
The only noise is the dip-dip of oars and the ethereal screech of horseshoe bats.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
Our boat had oarlocks, but not oars.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 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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Out at Ocean Beach, in California is like trying to paddle out.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
25 Mar. 2026
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That 37% figure is encouraging for active families who want to build trips around hiking, cycling, or paddling rather than poolside lounging.—
Lauren Schuster,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Bensaid's video, she can be seen rowing through murky, brown waters filled with debris.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
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And she's competed in every Summer and Winter Games since, pivoting to cycling, cross-country skiing and biathlon after a back injury stopped her from rowing.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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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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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 31 Mar. 2026.
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