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

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 While some dogs love paddling and splashing in your pool, not all are great swimmers. — Bethany Ao, Philly.com, "How to keep your dogs and cats cool when it's hot," 28 June 2018 Rabiot made the predictions by moving to different parts of a paddling pool. — Lucia I. Suarez Sang, Fox News, "'Psychic' octopus that predicted Japan's World Cup results killed," 3 July 2018 Families and schoolchildren also visit the refuge, bordered on the south by 1-95. Canoers and kayakers paddle around Darby Creek and Tinicum Marsh. — Frank Kummer, Philly.com, "Bow hunting for deer in Philadelphia? It's a real possibility," 22 Mar. 2018 Marc TélioEntrée DestinationsHe’s got logistics experts across the country to make sure ski vacations, road trips, paddling expeditions, and wildlife watching all go off without a hitch. — Paul Brady, Condé Nast Traveler, "2018 Top Travel Specialists We Trust," 19 Oct. 2018 Ashley Warren and boyfriend Chris Smith managed to paddle away from their home in a boat with their two dogs and were left shaken. — Barnini Chakraborty, Fox News, "Florence weakens to tropical depression, but flooding threat remains severe," 16 Sep. 2018 Carr plans to paddle at least 15 miles per day—which is no small feat. — Steve Friess, SELF, "Why Environmentalist Lizzie Carr Is Paddleboarding 170 Miles Down the Hudson River," 7 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

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 Military paddle boats and helicopters have brought people to the ground. — Washington Post, "Rescuers search for dozens still missing after Japan floods," 9 July 2018 Military paddle boats and helicopters brought people to the ground. — Fox News, "Rescuers look through mud for Japan flood victims; 122 dead," 9 July 2018 Military paddle boats were also being used to take people to dry land. — Time, "Death Toll Climbs to 76 As Heavy Rains Slam Southern Japan," 8 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.