: a sport played by two pairs of players using short-handled paddles and a ball similar to a tennis ball on a court divided by a net and enclosed by walls made of tempered glass and metal caging against which players may hit the ball
Padel started in Mexico about 50 years ago and is typically played in doubles. The major difference is that the courts—smaller than tennis—are surrounded by mesh or glass walls that players use to bounce balls off of …—
Nadia Lopez
Nadia LopezI soon learn that padel is a combination of tennis and squash, but easier because it's played on a smaller court and serving is underhand, and it tends to be a slower speed game than tennis. The racket is similar to the one used for pickleball, and the scoring is identical to tennis …—Emily Zemler
Emily ZemlerExamples of padel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Racket sports broadly are on the rise — padel courts are popping up across the United States, and the 2028 Olympics will include squash for the first time.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2026
More than just connecting with other padel lovers, guests who book their trips through the Privé Passport platform will receive special perks during their stay.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
But, at Tom Holland's padel tournament on April 29, that's exactly the case.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
On Wednesday, April 29, the couple appeared at a padel tournament hosted by Holland's non-alcoholic beverage brand Bero in Los Angeles.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
As the estate evolves—with a dedicated wellness space and tennis and padel court in the pipeline—access will gently broaden, with plans for ticketed events, visiting-chef suppers, and cultural gatherings that draw on Queensland’s creative community.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
In addition to its new dive into padel, Heineken has long been involved in high-level sports.
—Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2026
More than just connecting with other padel lovers, guests who book their trips through the Privé Passport platform will receive special perks during their stay.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
But, at Tom Holland's padel tournament on April 29, that's exactly the case.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
On Wednesday, April 29, the couple appeared at a padel tournament hosted by Holland's non-alcoholic beverage brand Bero in Los Angeles.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
As the estate evolves—with a dedicated wellness space and tennis and padel court in the pipeline—access will gently broaden, with plans for ticketed events, visiting-chef suppers, and cultural gatherings that draw on Queensland’s creative community.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
In addition to its new dive into padel, Heineken has long been involved in high-level sports.
—Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Padel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padel. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
