What does oarlock mean?
An oarlock is a small fitting on the side of a rowing boat that supports an oar while allowing it to pivot. It functions as a fulcrum during the rowing stroke: the rower pulls the handle, the oar blade presses against the water, and the oarlock permits the shaft to move through an arc. The fitting is especially important in competitive rowing, where boats may contain several sets of oarlocks for different crew positions. Although the term can be understood generally in British English, “rowlock” is the more customary British form, whereas “oarlock” is standard in American usage. Outside rowing terminology, it is chiefly encountered in technical descriptions of boats, equipment, and racing technique. The word is a transparent compound of “oar” and “lock,” the latter referring here to a device that secures or restricts movement.
nounA fixed or pivoting support on the side of a rowing boat that holds an oar in place and allows it to move through the stroke. Also called a rowlock.
- A fitting mounted in the side of a rowing boat that supports an oar and permits it to pivot.
"The rower checked the oarlocks before the boat left the dock."
"The crew adjusted the angle of the oarlocks to improve their balance."
"A worn oarlock caused the oar to slip during the race."
The plural is used for the individual fittings in a rowing boat, especially when describing the positions of several rowers.
"The boat's four oarlocks were carefully inspected before the race."
An oarlock is a rower's fulcrum: a small fitting that lets an oar sweep through the water and turn the rower's effort into forward motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of oarlock
“Oarlock” is an English compound formed from “oar” and “lock.” The word “oar” descends from Old Norse ár, while “lock” in the sense of a securing device descends from Old English loc. The compound developed in English as the specialized name for the fitting that secures an oar in a rowing boat.
How oarlock is actually used
The term is chiefly associated with rowing and is more common in American English; British rowers more often use “rowlock.” In rowing literature, an oarlock may be described as fixed or pivoting, and the components that hold the oar are called oarlock pins.
Easily confused with oarlock
An oarlock and a rowlock are essentially the same boat fitting, but “oarlock” is standard in American English while “rowlock” is more common in British English.