SKIP TO CONTENT

oarlock

/ˌɔrˈlɑk/

Other forms: oarlocks

An oarlock is a device that attaches an oar to the side of a rowboat. Most oarlocks are built into the sides of the boat, and they make rowing much easier.

You're less likely to lose an oar if your boat has oarlocks, and they also provide a base or fulcrum for the oars. On a racing boat, the oarlocks are especially designed for ease of moving the oar, while the oarlocks on your old metal dinghy are likely to be simpler. In either case, they can be made of metal, wood, or plastic, and are called "rowlocks" or "spurs" in the UK and "gates" in Australia.

Definitions of oarlock
  1. noun
    a holder attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing
    synonyms: peg, pin, rowlock, thole, tholepin
    see moresee less
    type of:
    holder
    a holding device
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘oarlock'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Look up oarlock for the last time

Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.

VocabTrainer - Vocabulary.com's Vocabulary Trainer