paddle

verb (1)

pad·dle | \ˈpa-dᵊl

paddled; paddling\ˈpad-liŋ,

ˈpa-dᵊl-iŋ \

Definition of paddle

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to move the hands or feet about in shallow water

2 archaic : to use the hands or fingers in toying or caressing

3 : toddle

paddle

noun

Definition of paddle (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : 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

2a : 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

verb (2)

paddled; paddling\ˈpad-liŋ,

ˈpa-dᵊl-iŋ \

Definition of paddle (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to go on or through water by or as if by means of a paddle or paddle wheel

transitive verb

1a : to propel by a paddle

b : to transport in a paddled craft paddled us to shore in his canoe

2a : 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

Other Words from paddle Example Sentences Learn More about paddle

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Other Words from paddle

Verb (1)

paddler \ˈpad-lər,

ˈpa-dᵊl-ər \ noun

Verb (2)

paddler \ˈpad-lər,

ˈpa-dᵊl-ər \ noun

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: Verb

Fret less about calories by paddling Monee Reservoir before gathering around the fire for drinks. — Vickie Snow Jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "5 boozy things to do July 20-21," 11 July 2018 In that earlier incident, the report said, Dickinson was trying to use his hands to paddle a kayak to shore. — Pete O’cain, The Seattle Times, "Snohomish County deputy prosecutor arrested on alcohol-related charge," 2 July 2018 The beating was so severe that Risha’s 11-year-old friend fainted as Alamo’s followers continued to paddle his bruised, bloody, and unconscious body. — refinery29.com, "How Brutal Cult Leader Tony Alamo Amassed A Fortune With Bedazzled Denim Jackets," 29 June 2018 No longer the kid who smoked a joint before paddling into Banzai Pipeline, Garrett soberly traveled to Lisbon to discuss his plans with the Marinha Portuguesa, the Portuguese Navy. — Paul Theroux, Smithsonian, "The Epic Quest to Ride the World’s Biggest Wave," 27 June 2018 After years of paddling against headwinds and currents, the engine felt like an invisible hand pushing the canoe along. — Porter Fox, New York Times, "On a Canoe Trip Along the U.S.-Canada Border, Solitude and Shooting Stars," 20 June 2018 Kayaks and canoes are available for paddling the lake, and there are lawn games, fire pits and picnic areas, along with a full-service restaurant. Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com. — BostonGlobe.com, "Happy Father’s Day: New England getaways for Dad," 29 May 2018 The Quiksilver XXL Biggest Wave Award, which comes with a $25,000 prize, goes to the surfer who catches the largest wave of the year by any means -- either by paddling into it or being towed in by a jet ski. — Rob Hodgetts, CNN, "Brazilian sets record for biggest wave ever surfed," 30 Apr. 2018 For almost two decades, Clark couldn’t convince another soul to paddle out to the 30 foot breakers crashing past Pillar Point with him. — David Ferry, SFChronicle.com, "Mavericks legend Jeff Clark’s favorite spots in Half Moon Bay," 10 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Not so forgotten that an errant slip of the paddle, let alone a campsite, on the wrong side of the line – if you get caught – isn't enough to get you into a lick of trouble. — Peter Lewis, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Northland' is an entertaining trip along America's 4,000-mile northern border," 3 July 2018 There are many kinds and levels of corporal punishment, ranging from infrequent swats on the butt to regular open-handed smacking or striking with belts or paddles, and many contexts in which it might be employed. — David Roberts, Vox, "Please don’t spank your kids," 3 July 2018 The game is sort of like tennis played with a Wiffle ball and oversized Ping-Pong paddles, on an undersized court. — Dan Morrell, BostonGlobe.com, "A closer look at the sport that’s taken retirement communities by storm," 7 June 2018 When the rice is done, transfer to a large wooden bowl, and while still warm, add rice vinegar mixture and combine with a wooden rice paddle or flat spoon, using a slicing and folding motion rather than mixing (to keep it from becoming mushy). — Susan Russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Avocado aficionado: Sam the Cooking Guy," 4 June 2018 The codes, the paddles, the resuscitation ... after Prior stabilized he had been moved to the cardiac catheterization lab, where four stents were placed to prevent future clotting. — Alex Prewitt, SI.com, "Vegas Goalie Coach Dave Prior Is Lucky to Be Alive and Still Chasing His First Stanley Cup," 31 May 2018 Alla Pala Pizza & Enoteca The Roman-style oblong pizza, typically served on a wooden paddle, or pala, is getting its own area at Eataly, on the 23rd Street side, at what was the Nutella stand. — Florence Fabricant, New York Times, "North 3rd Street Market Opens in Williamsburg, Brooklyn," 29 May 2018 Guests can meet the resident chickens and goats, and then bike, paddle, fish, hike and stargaze. — Larry Bleiberg, USA TODAY, "Glamping USA: Stay in a Hobbit hut, a covered wagon or a caboose," 25 May 2018 Gear: Outfitters provide all gear for the trip; life jacket, wet suit if necessary (most trips do not need wet suits), helmet, paddle, shore lunch. — Tom Stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, "Rafters launch stellar season for rivers, water sports," 13 May 2018

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