paddle

1 of 3

noun

pad·​dle ˈpa-dᵊl How to pronounce paddle (audio)
1
a
: a usually wooden implement that has a long handle and a broad flattened blade and that is used to propel and steer a small craft (such as a canoe)
b
: an implement often with a short handle and a broad flat blade that is used for stirring, mixing, or hitting
especially : one used to hit a ball in any of various games (such as table tennis)
c
: a small usually numbered sign that is raised by a bidder at an auction to signal a bid
d
: a flat electrode that is the part of a defibrillator placed on the chest of a patient and through which a shock of electricity is discharged
2
a
: any of the broad boards at the circumference of a paddle wheel or waterwheel
b
: any of the broad blades attached to a shaft (as in an ice cream machine) and used for stirring
3
: a computer input device with a dial used to control linear movement of a cursor on a computer display
paddle-like adjective
or paddlelike
a paddle-like tail
paddlelike forelimbs

paddle

2 of 3

verb (1)

paddled; paddling ˈpad-liŋ How to pronounce paddle (audio)
ˈpa-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to go on or through water by or as if by means of a paddle or paddle wheel

transitive verb

1
a
: to propel by a paddle
b
: to transport in a paddled craft
paddled us to shore in his canoe
2
a
: to beat or stir with or as if with a paddle (as in washing or dyeing)
b
: to punish by or as if by beating with a paddle

paddle

3 of 3

verb (2)

paddled; paddling

intransitive verb

1
: to move the hands or feet about in shallow water
2
: toddle
3
archaic : to use the hands or fingers in toying or caressing

Examples of paddle in a Sentence

Noun Use the mixer's paddle attachment to mix the dough. The potter used a paddle to shape the clay.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
It’s bolted to a 9 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and then routed into an all wheel drive traction control system, with intelligent traction management and hill start assist. Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024 Kids can also try activities like kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. Karen Cicero, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 Hit the beach where kiddos can splash about, paddle board, or enjoy a nice barbecue by the sea. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 With water parks, an outlet mall, incredible dining, and beach activities like paddle boarding and parasailing, this gorgeous coastline has endless options for the grandkids to enjoy. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024 The tennis court can also be used for pickleball; there’s a cedar jungle gym for the kids; and seafarers will appreciate the home’s 115-foot private deep-water dock that’s nicely stocked with paddle boards and kayaks. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 Construction planned for two years Avery, who canoes and paddle boards on the river, said nearby residents won’t have access to that portion of the American River Parkway for two years during construction as trucks carrying materials move in and out of the area. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Make cake layers: Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024 On an invitation from friends, Revuelta first picked up a pickleball paddle in January of 2023. Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024
Verb
Swim, snorkel, or paddle through Biscayne National Park. Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2024 Photos taken Thursday by the Associated Press show hundreds of visitors wading through the waters, which also remained up to a foot deep in parts, enough for kayakers and other boaters to paddle through them. USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 It was propelled by four paddling appendages and might have been capable of speeds of 30 mph. William Booth, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 The program is free with park entrance, and all paddling equipment is included, Friday through Wednesday. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2024 The famously bone-dry salt flats at the bottom of Death Valley National Park in California aren't the first spot where most experienced kayakers would expect to paddle out. USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 Friends Jeffrey Weber and Shayla Bauer frantically paddled him to the sand, pleading with others to call 911. Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Kayakers have been paddling in one of the driest places on Earth after a series of record rainstorms battered California’s Death Valley and replenished Lake Manly. Ty O'Neil, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2024 The New River Gorge has long been a paddling destination. Jacqueline Kehoe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paddle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English padell spade-shaped tool for cleaning a plow

Verb (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

1637, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paddle was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near paddle

Cite this Entry

“Paddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

paddle

1 of 3 verb
pad·​dle ˈpad-ᵊl How to pronounce paddle (audio)
paddled; paddling ˈpad-liŋ How to pronounce paddle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: to move the hands or feet about in shallow water

paddle

2 of 3 noun
1
a
: an instrument with a flat blade to move and steer a small boat (as a canoe)
b
: an instrument used for stirring, mixing, or hitting
c
: a short bat with a broad flat blade used to hit the ball in various games (as table tennis)
2
: one of the broad boards at the outer rim of a paddle wheel or waterwheel

paddle

3 of 3 verb
paddled; paddling ˈpad-liŋ How to pronounce paddle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
1
: to move or drive forward with or as if with a paddle
2
: to stir or mix with a paddle
3
: to beat with or as if with a paddle
Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

Noun

Middle English padell "a device for cleaning a plow"

Medical Definition

paddle

noun
pad·​dle ˈpad-ᵊl How to pronounce paddle (audio)
: a flat electrode that is the part of a defibrillator placed on the chest of a patient and through which a shock of electricity is discharged

called also paddle electrode

More from Merriam-Webster on paddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!