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)

• kayak
• row
• canoe
• oar

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.

Verb (1)

I like to paddle on the river for exercise and relaxation

back in those times it was acceptable for teachers to paddle misbehaving students

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Inside, not an inch of space goes to waste—you’ll find everything from festive pickleball paddles to cute stationery supplies packed onto the shelves. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025

And not much has changed in the traditional preparation, made in a large wooden bowl with mixing paddles. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 19 June 2025

Verb

The next day was opening day, so the group paddled canoes around the shores of Perent Lake looking for moose. —Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 26 June 2025

Stable Design for Lakes and Rivers No matter where your paddling destination is, this board is up for the adventure. —Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025

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

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

Rhymes for paddle

• saddle
• straddle

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