dog paddle
noun
: an elementary swimming stroke in which the arms paddle in the water and the legs maintain a kicking motion
Examples of dog paddle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some wear their fatigues inside out, identifying them as Marines who are just learning to swim and flailing the length of the pool in a mix of dog paddle and haphazard overhand stroke.
—
Lolita C. Baldor, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2023
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
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Lolita C. Baldor, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2023
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
Cite this Entry
“Dog paddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog%20paddle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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