laboring oar

noun

: a part or task requiring greater effort than others
the officer who pulls the laboring oar in the club's activities

Word History

Etymology

from laboring, present participle of labor entry 2

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laboring oar was in 1709

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near laboring oar

Cite this Entry

“Laboring oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laboring%20oar. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!