1. U-shaped metal supports on the side of a boat that hold the oars in place while rowing
Usage: nautical; plural form

Examples

• The wooden oars fit snugly into the brass rowlocks.
• She checked that the rowlocks were secure before pushing off from the dock.
• The old rowing boat had rusty rowlocks that squeaked with each stroke.
• He lifted the oars from the rowlocks and pulled them into the boat.
• The rowlocks were positioned perfectly for comfortable rowing.
• Water splashed over the gunwale near the rowlocks as they rowed harder.