paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpa-dək 

-dik

1

a

: a usually enclosed area used especially for pasturing or exercising animals

led the sheep into the paddock

especially : an enclosure where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race

b

Australia and New Zealand : an often enclosed field

2

: an area at an automobile racecourse where racing cars are parked

Examples of paddock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From 2 - 4 p.m., all vehicles will be directed to the paddock area (except those with valid ADA placards) RV parking will be on the paddock area near the casino. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2024

Men must wear a top hat and morning suits, which turns out to be hideously hot if the sun shines and as uncomfortable as the ladies’ high heels when the inevitable deluge hits the paddock. —Louis J. Esterhazy, WWD, 16 June 2024

The paddock, home for the 10 teams over a race weekend, also moved to the stadium infield, giving teams more space to operate. —Ian Parkes, New York Times, 2 May 2024

One of their paddocks was filed nearly to the roof with manure, according to court records. —Taylor Hartz, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English parrok, from Old English pearroc, from Medieval Latin parricus

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpad-ək 

-ik

1

: an enclosed area where animals are put to eat grass or to exercise

2

: an enclosed area where racehorses are saddled and paraded before moving to the racetrack