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Oar - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An oar is a long pole with a flat blade at one end, used for rowing or steering a boat through water. It is typically held by hand and moved back and forth to propel the boat forward.

oar

/ɔr/ /ɔː/

Definition:

A long pole with a flat blade used for rowing a boat.

Synonyms:

paddle, scull, sweep

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

motor, sail

Common Collocations:

wooden oar, row with an oar, pair of oars

Derivatives:

oarsman, oarswoman

Usage Tips:

Use "oar" to refer to the tool for rowing; avoid confusing it with "ore" (mineral).

Common Phrases:

put one's oar in, rest on one's oars

Etymology:

Old English "ār," related to Old Norse "ár," meaning a paddle or blade for rowing.

Examples:

  • 1. She gripped the oar tightly and rowed across the lake.
  • 2. The old wooden oar was worn from years of use.
  • 3. He lost an oar when the boat tipped over.
  • 4. They paddled in sync, each holding an oar firmly.

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