Definition

Noun: A small, manually propelled watercraft characterized by a shallow draft, fixed seats (thwarts) running across its width, and fittings (rowlocks or oarlocks) to hold oars. It is moved by a person (a rower) using oars.

Usage

A "rowboat" is a specific type of small boat designed for rowing. It is typically used for recreation, fishing, or transportation on calm inland waters like lakes, ponds, and slow rivers. - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a rowboat, three rowboats). - It is often used with verbs like row, use, rent, own, anchor, and launch.

Examples

• We rented a rowboat to explore the quiet lake.
• He spent the afternoon fishing from his old wooden rowboat.
• The rowboat was tied securely to the dock.
• They crossed the river in a small rowboat.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in the same rowboat": An idiomatic expression meaning to be in the same difficult situation or to share the same circumstances.
  • We're all in the same rowboat when it comes to these budget cuts.

Variants and Related Words

• Row (verb): The action of propelling a boat using oars.
  • She learned to row on the river.
• Rowing boat (noun, chiefly British): A synonym for "rowboat."
• Dinghy (noun): A small boat, which can be a rowboat but may also be sailed or powered by a motor.
• Skiff (noun): A light, open rowboat, often used for fishing.

Synonyms

• Rowing boat
• Dinghy (when referring to a small rowed boat)
• Scull (a light, narrow rowboat designed for racing or exercise)

Related Phrases

• Take to the oars: To begin rowing.
  • When the wind died, they had to take to the oars.
• Pull an oar: To participate in rowing; sometimes used figuratively to mean contributing to a shared effort.
  • Everyone needs to pull an oar to finish this project on time.

Noun

1. a small boat of shallow draft with cross thwarts for seats and rowlocks for oars with which it is propelled