dog paddle

noun

: an elementary swimming stroke in which the arms paddle in the water and the legs maintain a kicking motion

dog-paddle

ˈdȯg-ˌpa-dᵊl

intransitive verb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In any case, this definitely isn’t a show that invites newbies to just plunge in and dog paddle for dear life. —

Mike D'angelo, Chron, 23 Nov. 2022 Competitive pooches can win prizes in a swimsuit contest, diving, dog paddle race, and a pet and owner look-a-like contest. —

Dallas News, 6 Aug. 2021 Nearby, my husband coached our youngest into her first dog paddle. —

Erica Pearson, Star Tribune, 13 July 2021 After leveling out his dog paddle, O’Malley brags without explanation about being the only talk-show host with his own river. —

Pablo Goldstein, Vulture, 15 June 2021 New swimmers often graduate from dog paddle to breaststroke, particularly in open water. —

Jen Murphy, WSJ, 29 May 2021 Many of us will be doing the dog paddle to stay afloat. —

Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2021 In Ontario, one family had no idea what to do about a moose doing the dog paddle in their pool. —

Rachel Levin, SFChronicle.com, 3 June 2020 Look, the pond, the ducks, the dogs paddling after their prized sticks. —

Ellen Mccarthy, Washington Post, 6 May 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dog paddle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.