Meaning and usage of the word rower in English

The word "rower" originates from the Old English word "roggere," which means "one who rows a boat." This term was used to refer to individuals who propelled longboats, known as "roggas," along the coastlines of England during the Anglo-Saxon period. The English language has borrowed words from several languages over the centuries, and "rower" is one such loanword. The original term "roggere" evolved into the Middle English word "ruer" around the 13th century. This form of the word is first recorded in the Middle English metrical romance "Sir Orfeo," where it appears as "rugge." As rowing became more popular as a sport and leisure activity, the term "rower" gained wider usage. In the 18th century, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) first recorded the modern spelling "rower" in its comprehensive list of English words, where it was defined as "a person who rows." Today, "rower" is used to describe individuals who participate in the sport of rowing, whether it be for recreation, competition, or other purposes. The sport of rowing itself involves using a long oar to propel a boat, typically a lightweight shell, through the water. Rowing is a popular sport in many parts of the world, particularly Europe and North America, and is often associated with traditional institutions such as universities, clubs, and rowing teams.