: a usually U-shaped device for holding an oar in place
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebBut see him now, his taut arms and tight fists gripping the oars, balanced in their oarlocks.Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2020 All of this made the sweet relief of arriving, often after dark, even more memorable: the cool, fragrant air; the stars; falling asleep to the lake water lapping and oarlocks knocking. Suzanne Carmick, New York Times, 6 June 2017
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
oarlock
noun
oar·lock ˈȯr-ˌläk
: a usually U-shaped device for holding an oar in place