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

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 Tennessee isn’t as accustomed to seven-figure checks as Miami or Aspen (Lindemann’s other paddling paradise), which makes his donation of more than 1,000 acres, worth $8.27 million, along Soak Creek even more appreciated. — Rebecca Kleinman, Town & Country, "Investor and Collector George Lindemann Turns His Attention to Conservation," 13 Dec. 2017 Beyond paddling in the bay, the farther reaches of the lake and its surrounding villages offer just as many allures as the city. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "Exploring Annecy, the Venice of the French Alps," 7 Nov. 2018 Among them was Vincent Smith, the 88-year-old San Diegan who was going to paddle a canoe from Catalina Island to San Diego sponsored by Lipton Tea. — sandiegouniontribune.com, "July 5, 1976: San Diego celebrates U.S. Bicentennial," 5 July 2018 These hearty adventurers paddled and portaged more than 2,000 miles of country never seen by Europeans. — Sharyn Alden, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Island hopping in Wisconsin: 5 worth a visit," 15 June 2018 Watch Adelman paddle and talk about life as a role model, and learn a few tips on trying the sport. — Morning Brief, The Seattle Times, "More on the Maryland newspaper shooting, and the Special Olympics USA Games come to town | Friday Morning Brief, June 29," 29 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Some people prefer various toys, such as whips, floggers, and paddles. — Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, "A Beginner’s Guide to Impact Play," 1 May 2019 In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or by hand, cream together the butter, shortening and sugar at medium speed, about three to five minutes. — Alison Roman, The Seattle Times, "‘We are all connected by cookies’: A tribe with a bond stronger than royal icing," 12 Dec. 2018 Among the paddle-wielding bidders was Adrian Cheng, the evening’s honoree who happily walked away with a sculpture by Erwin Wurm for a cool $160,000 before being recognized for his contributions toward the eradication of AIDS. — Zachary Weiss, Vogue, "Pharrell and Michelle Yeoh Attend amfAR’s Hong Kong Gala, Held at the City’s Glitzy New Rosewood Hotel," 26 Mar. 2019 Hike, paddle board, meditate, and immerse yourself into Exhale's award-winning fitness program with classes Core Fusion bootcamp, restorative chill yoga, and more. — Micaela English, Town & Country, "8 Wellness Retreats To Reset Your Body And Mind," 17 Dec. 2018 The one thing that will never fit in a rear gear garage—no matter how big your van—are stand up paddle boards. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The ultimate van life shopping guide," 14 Nov. 2018 French expats run Pure Magic, a stand-up paddle board and kite-surf school that’s managed to convince a fair number of locals to brave the frigid Irish sea. — Brigid Mander, WSJ, "How to Earn Your Guinness in Dublin," 2 Aug. 2018 The lovely Jardins de l'Europe and festive esplanade both give way to a sandy bay fringed with old-timey paddle boats, some of which are topped with individual waterslides. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "Exploring Annecy, the Venice of the French Alps," 7 Nov. 2018 Military paddle boats and helicopters brought people to the ground. — Haruka Nuga, BostonGlobe.com, "Rescuers search for 80 still missing after Japan floods," 9 July 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.