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Definition of "oarlock" [oar•lock]

  • A device, usually a U-shaped metal hoop on a swivel in the gunwale, used to hold an oar in place and as a fulcrum in rowing. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "oarlock" in a sentence
  • "I put my oars in the oarlocks and closed the oarlock gates to hold them in place, taking my time and tightening the nut securely."
  • "All sailed Venetian craft had oarlock; ALL boat craft had oar locks, so this doesn't mean its not a sailed boat."
  • "Just a glimpse of water through the oarlock was enough to warn him where to dip the oar to avoid waves and eddies."