sampan

noun

sam·​pan ˈsam-ˌpan How to pronounce sampan (audio)
Synonyms of sampannext
: a flat-bottomed skiff used in eastern Asia and usually propelled by two short oars

Examples of sampan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong Harbor, one of the world’s most scenic, rewards passengers with vistas of skyscrapers, mountains, ferries and sampans. — Georgina Cruz, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Malay, Chinese and Indian laborers did laundry, steered sampan boats and cleared land for the White military members. — Lilit Marcus, CNN, 16 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) sàambáan, from sàam three + báan board, plank

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sampan was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

sampaloc
sampan
samphire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sampan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sampan. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

sampan

noun
sam·​pan ˈsam-ˌpan How to pronounce sampan (audio)
: a flat-bottomed Chinese boat usually moved by oars

More from Merriam-Webster on sampan

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sampan

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sampan

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