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

Gaines paddled between the areas, where basic strokes and techniques were demonstrated. — Dewayne Bevil, orlandosentinel.com, "Disney: Event introduces kids to swim lessons, Rowdy Gaines," 20 June 2019 The bear paddled around with the mauled bird, presumably deceased at this point. — (amy Mcbride), San Diego Union-Tribune, "Family’s vacation video captures polar bear killing duck at San Diego Zoo," 11 June 2019 On this particular occasion, a surfer who witnessed my struggle paddled up behind me and called me into a swell line. — Karen Rinaldi, Glamour, "How I Stopped "Doing It For the 'Gram" and Learned to Love "Unlikeable" Moments," 22 May 2019 And the décor was unabashedly Kahlo-themed, from the swaying papel picado cut-outs to the auction paddles with Kahlo’s face to the museum docents’ lapel paper flowers. — Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, "The Brooklyn Artists Ball Was a Frida Kahlo–Inspired Fiesta," 17 Apr. 2019 Tim Caprio paddled a canoe to a quiet spot in the Loch Raven Reservoir to ask his wife, Amy, to marry him. — Colin Campbell, baltimoresun.com, "'Ride for Amy' Caprio memorial pays tribute to slain Baltimore County police officer," 3 June 2018 In one encounter, a woman paddling an outrigger canoe last Friday called Oceanside Harbor Police to say something had bitten her boat. — Gary Warth, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Three possible shark sightings reported off Oceanside in past week," 3 July 2018 His adventures, guided hundreds of miles by Tlingit natives paddling a dugout cedar canoe, became rhapsodic dispatches that found an enthusiastic audience. — Mark Adams, New York Times, "A D.I.Y. Trip Through Alaska’s Inside Passage," 21 May 2018 Though his blowup paddling-pool headpieces were easily a close second. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Born in Buffalo and Trained in London, Edwin Mohney Sources the Fabric for His Radical Ball Gowns at Kmart," 16 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Add the potato chips and pretzels and paddle, still on low speed, until just incorporated. — Christina Tosi, latimes.com, "Milk Bar’s famous Compost Cookies recipe from Christina Tosi," 19 June 2019 Officers saw Walsh in a blue kayak and red paddle following a swan, raising a shotgun to his shoulder and firing the gun at the swan. — Deanna Weniger, Twin Cities, "Lino Lakes man charged with shooting and killing two protected swans," 18 June 2019 Unofficial totals exceeding $310,000 for the live auction and $760,000 for the paddle-raise will likely propel this event’s total net above $1.5 million. — Vincent Andrunas, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Making dreams come true," 17 June 2019 Standup paddle lesson rates will need to be confirmed. — Houston Chronicle, "Campers can explore the shores, waterways of Galveston Bay," 14 June 2019 Grand prizes are a camping package with a $250 L.L. Bean gift card, tent, sleeping bag, backpack,and weekend stay at the Blackwell Family Campground and a kayak package with kayak, paddle, life jacket and guided kayaking tour. — James Krause, Naperville Sun, "Head to a DuPage Forest Preserve park, trail or lake and be entered to win a prize," 12 June 2019 Separating the lodge from the bluff is the cool, clear, Sinking Creek, which is perfect for wading, swimming or paddle sports. — Gary Garth, USA TODAY, "Missouri's Echo Bluff State Park: The scenery of 'Ozark' without the man-made drama," 11 June 2019 The event will kick off on Wednesday, Dec. 12, with clinics and exhibitions hosted by Engage Pickleball, one of the leading pickleball paddle manufacturers in the world. — Gary Curreri, sun-sentinel.com, "Inaugural World Pickleball Open slated for December," 6 June 2019 Later in the summer there will be longer and more technical paddles for intermediate skill levels. — Beacon-news Staff, Aurora Beacon-News, "Family Outdoor Fair planned at Fermilab," 3 June 2019

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.