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

The unicorn had gotten so stuck there, its riders couldn't paddle away. — Suzannah Weiss, Teen Vogue, "Cops Rescue Women Stranded in Lake on Unicorn Float," 14 Aug. 2018 His adventures, guided hundreds of miles by Tlingit Indians paddling a dugout cedar canoe, became rhapsodic dispatches that found an enthusiastic audience. — Anchorage Daily News, "A DIY trip through Alaska’s Inside Passage," 26 May 2018 In the afternoon, catch a taxi to Balangan beach, empty save for surfers paddling out and little warungs where beachgoers sip Bintangs. — Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, "Finding the Bali You Came For," 16 Nov. 2018 To see the park from a completely different angle, consider an afternoon paddling around at sea with one of the guides form National Park Sea Kayak Tours. — Todd Plummer, Vogue, "This Maine Island Might Be the Most Beautiful Spot in New England," 22 Aug. 2018 As a longtime kayak angler, Mr. Ferrell was used to sitting while unknowingly paddling over fish, squandering opportunities for a stealthy approach. — John Clarke, WSJ, "The New Fishing Vessel of Choice? Stand-Up Paddleboards," 15 Aug. 2018 Go for a hike, ride a bike, or paddle around the area, and enjoy dinner for two at Diamond’s Edge, a waterfront restaurant. — Kari Bodnarchuk, BostonGlobe.com, "Here, there, and everywhere," 9 May 2018 At one point, Remus moves a little to the left, and a struggling Smokey slowly paddles toward him. — Scott Berson, charlotteobserver, "Watch dog with a 'heart of gold' dive into the water to save his doggy best friend | Charlotte Observer," 15 May 2018 Thanks to presenting sponsor Redstone Federal Credit Union, members who had registered ahead of time could paddle for free. — Bob Gathany, AL.com, "Paddle the Canal - urban kayaking in Big Spring Park," 21 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

At certain points in their rotation, the paddles would click into a groove. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "How bicycles have changed in the last 25 years," 10 Nov. 2018 The added motion of the water moving from the paddle helps draw attention throughout the frame. — Colin Diltz, The Seattle Times, "Reader’s Lens | Paddling Lake Ozette," 11 Sep. 2018 But there's a whole list of additional workouts to choose from as well, with sports like stand-up paddle-boarding, skiing, trail running, climbing, pilates, strength training, and others. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Garmin Fenix 5S Plus review: So capable, so enviable, so expensive," 29 July 2018 The area will include water-sport activities such as paddle-boarding. — Chabeli Herrera, miamiherald, "With last beam in place, Hollywood Hard Rock's guitar-shaped hotel is almost finished," 9 July 2018 This eccentric island packs a weekend’s worth of explorations—from cider tastings to stand-up paddle boarding in the Puget Sound. — Jenna Scatena, Condé Nast Traveler, "Three Best Day Trips from Seattle," 17 May 2018 Other activities include tubing down rivers, hiking to waterfalls, and stand-up paddle boarding. One- and two-week programs. — Helena Oliviero, ajc, "A guide to great summer camps in metro Atlanta," 3 May 2018 Family concerned about their missing relative who was last seen paddle boarding off Fort Lauderdale beach March 20. — Linda Trischitta, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Paddleboarder who owes $500K in child support disappears off Fort Lauderdale," 28 Mar. 2018 Surprised, too, were Nassim Motya of the Northeast and Angie Sheehan of Queen Village, who picked up paddles and started to volley. — Stu Bykofsky, Philly.com, "Is the new LOVE Park all you need? | Stu Bykofsky," 28 June 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.