paddleboat

noun

pad·​dle·​boat ˈpa-dᵊl-ˌbōt 

1

: a boat propelled by one or more large paddle wheels typically powered by a steam engine

… a new sidewheel paddleboat of the sort that once carried New Yorkers on harbor and Hudson River trips

—Richard F. Shepard

2

US : a small recreational boat powered by pedals that turn a paddle wheel

Paddleboats are curious vessels. They can be steered and they're powered by foot pedals so the effect is something like riding a bicycle on water.

—Daniel Chang

called also pedal boat, (British) pedalo

Examples of paddleboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the main events is the Pumpkin Regatta where pumpkins that weigh between 500 and 800 pounds are converted into paddleboats and raced across the pond at Elk Grove Park, first held in 2006. —Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Take The Kids To Andretti Thrill Park Zoom around an F1 speedtrack, play a round of mini golf or laser tag, take a spin in a paddleboat, or take an exhilarating ride on the Drop n’ Twist Tower. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

Stillwater River Boats offers seasonal tours of the St. Croix on an old-fashioned paddleboat, including sightseeing and jazz brunch cruises. —Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025

One of Snorkel Park’s best aspects is that the beach has ample amenities to rent, including snorkel equipment, paddleboats, kayaks, sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cabanas. —Sandy Allen, AFAR Media, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for paddleboat

• anecdote
• antidote
• asymptote
• creosote
• dimethoate
• epidote
• ferryboat
• motorboat
• overcoat
• petticoat
• riverboat
• undercoat