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. Verb (1) I like to paddle on the river for exercise and relaxation back in those times it was acceptable for teachers to paddle misbehaving students
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The private dock offers a chance for a morning or a midnight dip, and the cabin comes equipped with paddle boards and kayaks. Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2024 Our first paddle at Mauna Lani seemed like weeks ago — so much had happened since. Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024 Tonight, after Phaedra's heartfelt rumba dedicated to her mother, Derek triumphantly stood up, pulled out his five paddle and broke it, simultaneously making a subtle jab at Simmons' scoring and showing that Phaedra deserved better. Calie Schepp, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024 However, in recent years, a new spooky ritual has also taken hold: witch paddles. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paddle 

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 4 Nov. 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!