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

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

In California, a navigable water source is a body of water that is “capable of being navigated by oar or motor-propelled small craft,” so anywhere you could get into a boat and go 500 yards.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 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

He tossed aside his oar, yawned until his ravioli-and-string-bean breath hit Ms. Treadwell.

From "Clayton Byrd Goes Underground" by Rita Williams-Garcia