# outrigger

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈaʊtˌɹɪɡə/ · frequency rank #67,709

## Definitions
1. Any of various projecting beams or spars that provide support for a sailing ship's mast.
2. A long thin timber, pontoon, or other float attached parallel to a canoe or boat by projecting struts as a means of preventing tipping or capsizing.
3. An outrigger canoe or boat.
4. An iron bracket or brace for an oarlock projecting from the side of a rowing boat.
5. An extension mechanism, often retractable when not in use, on a boat, vehicle, or structure which helps to stabilize it to keep it from tipping over.
6. A type of ski pole, with skis attached at the bottom, instead of the spike/pick found on a normal pole. It is used in downhill skiing variants of para-skiing, especially those that use a sit-ski, such as the monoski.

## Etymology
Modification of earlier outligger after rig (“to fit out”); equivalent to out- + ligger.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/outrigger