Sculling: meaning, definitions and examples

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sculling

[ˈskʌlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sport

The act of propelling a boat by moving oars through the water on both sides of the craft simultaneously. Sculling is a popular rowing technique used in competitive sports.

Synonyms

oaring, paddling, rowing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sculling	This is a repeat, covered in the first entry.
rowing	Rowing is a more general term for propelling a boat using one or more oars. This can be used both in competitive contexts and casual or recreational scenarios. She joined the university's rowing team last year. We went rowing on the river during the weekend.
paddling	Paddling is used primarily for kayaks or canoes and involves using a single-bladed paddle. It is a term often associated with more informal or recreational activities. They enjoyed a day of paddling down the gentle stream. Paddling a canoe requires coordination and rhythm.
oaring	Oaring refers more generally to the act of using oars to move a boat. It can be used in casual or recreational settings. They spent the afternoon oaring around the lake. The sun set as we continued oaring along the river.

Examples of usage

She excelled at sculling during the regatta.
The team practiced sculling drills every morning.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

activity

The recreational activity of propelling a small boat using oars. Sculling can be a relaxing way to enjoy the water and nature.

Synonyms

boating, paddling, rowing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sculling	Sculling refers to propelling a boat using two oars, one in each hand. It is common in competitive rowing and also for exercise. The term is mostly used in a sporting context. She trains every morning by sculling on the river. The sculling team won the championship last year.
boating	Boating is a broad term that refers to the activity of traveling in or operating a boat for leisure, transportation, or sport. It is less specific than the other terms. We enjoy boating on the lake during summer. Boating can be a relaxing weekend activity.
rowing	Rowing generally refers to the act of propelling a boat using oars. It can be a recreational activity, a competitive sport, or a form of exercise. Unlike sculling, rowing can involve one or two oars per person. Rowing is an excellent full-body workout. The rowing team practices every morning.
paddling	Paddling involves moving a small boat such as a canoe or kayak using a paddle. It is usually associated with recreational activities and sometimes with sports like kayaking or canoeing. They spent the afternoon paddling down the river. Kayaking requires good paddling technique.

Examples of usage

We spent the afternoon sculling on the lake.
He took up sculling as a hobby.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'sculling' comes from the Middle English 'scullen', meaning to paddle or row.
Its roots are linked to Old English where 'scol', reminiscent of a leg or limb, implied the use of a long tool to propel something.
The tradition of sculling has deep historical ties to the waterway transportation that dates back centuries.

Sports

Sculling is a popular competitive sport in rowing, featuring single and double sculls, where athletes race on water.
Olympic events include sculling, highlighting the global recognition and the skill involved in this precise sport.
Famous rowing events, like the Henley Royal Regatta, showcase elite scullers competing on river courses.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, sculling is seen as a rite of passage, teaching teamwork and resilience through water mastery.
Historical paintings often depict sculling as a leisure activity among the upper class in centuries past.
Sculling clubs exist worldwide, fostering a sense of community and promoting physical fitness.

Physics and Mechanics

The effectiveness of sculling relies on physics; proper technique helps minimize drag and maximize propulsion.
Sculling requires balance and coordination, engaging core muscles for stability, turning a recreational activity into a workout.
Water resistance plays a crucial role in sculling, with each stroke creating a push against the water that propels the boat forward.

Psychological Benefits

Engaging in sculling can promote mental wellness, offering a meditative experience as one focuses on the rhythm of the strokes.
Participating in team sculling fosters social connections and builds camaraderie among participants.
Nature exposure while sculling encourages mindfulness and helps reduce stress, enhancing overall well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "sculling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 remoagem

🇮🇳 स्कलिंग

🇩🇪 Skullrudern

🇮🇩 dayung

🇺🇦 веслування

🇵🇱 wioślarstwo

🇯🇵 スカル

🇫🇷 aviron

🇪🇸 remo

🇹🇷 kürek

🇰🇷 스컬링

🇸🇦 التجديف

🇨🇿 veslování

🇸🇰 veslovanie

🇨🇳 划桨

🇸🇮 veslanje

🇮🇸 róðrar

🇰🇿 ескек

🇬🇪 ნიჩბაობა

🇦🇿 avarlama

🇲🇽 remo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,971, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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