Banca

/ˈbæŋkə/ noun

Definition

A small outrigger boat or canoe used in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian regions, typically powered by oars or sails.

Etymology

From Tagalog and other Philippine languages, banca or bangka. The word represents indigenous maritime technology and has been documented in European colonial records since the 16th century.

Kelly Says

A traditional banca with outriggers is more stable than you'd think—the design has been perfected over centuries and influenced modern outrigger canoe racing, which is huge in Hawaiian culture!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.