oar

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to World Rowing, the earliest representation of a rowing boat was found in Finland and dated back to 5,800BC, while the oar was "considered to be the most important invention before the wheel".

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

Here, residents travel via boat and oar along miles of tree-lined canals, transporting flowers, vegetables and other products harvested on the artificial islands known as chinampas that were a mainstay of Aztec agriculture.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2024

With sculling, each rower holds an oar in each hand; with sweep rowing, each rower holds one oar with both hands.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2023

The performer in front — actually Woods himself, with dancer Tamzin O’Garro behind — is wielding the cello bow as an oar.

From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2022

Once free, she took the oar, as she had seen Crocodile Guts do many times, and pushed herself away from shore.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer