paddle

1 of 3

noun

pad·​dle ˈpa-dᵊl 

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

ˈpa-dᵊl-ˌlīk 

adjective

or paddlelike

a paddle-like tail

paddlelike forelimbs

paddle

2 of 3

verb (1)

paddled; paddling ˈpad-liŋ 

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

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• oar
• row
• scull

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

Visitors enjoy climbing and gliding down the dunes on sand boards, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2024

The Māori hurled their canoe paddles at the British, who responded by firing at them. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest to stand mixer bowl; switch to the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. —Joy Howard, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024

Thanks to its array of attachments—from a round brush to a paddle one—there are endless ways to style your hair with the Shark FlexStyle. —Kylee McGuigan, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2024

In a standard mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar and brown sugar. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024

While Brownies cool, prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter in bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment on medium speed until creamy. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024

Interior flourishes include magnesium paddle shifters, performance seats, orange trim highlights and Bang & Olufsen audio. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024

This set comes with two paddles, four balls, and a carrying case. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024

Verb

The options for outdoor adventures are seemingly endless in this corner of the world, from stand-up paddling along the Colorado River to hiking, canyoneering, and mountain biking while taking in the signature ochre rock formations. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024

Jasper Village is an ideal spot to spend the night or even a couple of days hiking the trails of Maligne Canyon, paddling one of the many lakes, soaking at Miette Hot Springs or chilling in one of the famous red chairs. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

The man was trying to follow him and the son to shore, but was paddling against the rip current. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024

These three men have paddled across all five Great Lakes and raised money to protect them Caitlin Looby is a Report for America corps member who writes about the environment and the Great Lakes. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024

After the group paddled to shore and the visitors packed up, Voehl pushed his kayak back in the water, taking a little more time to cherish the ephemeral. —Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024

Cocoa Beach has Thousand Islands Conservation Area, which is full of mangroves, manatees, and dolphins for those who love to paddle and explore nature. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2024

Jack hasn’t motored or paddled through all of the basin, but he’s been on plenty of it in his 73 years. —Robert N. Jenkins, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

There needs to be a little bit of paddling coming from you in order to reach the shore and enjoy some stability rather than just ending up wherever life pushes you. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2024

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

Phrases Containing paddle

• paddle wheel
• dog paddle
• paddle tennis
• paddle wheeler

Kids Definition

paddle

1 of 3 verb

pad·​dle ˈpad-ᵊl 

paddled; paddling ˈpad-liŋ 

-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 

-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 

: 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