paddleboat

noun

pad·​dle·​boat ˈpa-dᵊl-ˌbōt How to pronounce paddleboat (audio)
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 tripsRichard 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 He was eventually taken to the hospital after his wife rescued him via paddleboat, KCRA notes. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2023 There are day care centers and paddleboats at post reservoirs for kids, fitness centers and splendid on-post clinics. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2024 The pair struggled to find common ground during a paddleboat ride together. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 16 June 2023 The farm is a popular destination with a petting zoo, pony rides, a corn maze and paddleboats. Fox19 Digital Staff, The Enquirer, 2 June 2023 Take a one-hour cruise aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen paddleboat to see the lake and waterfront homes lining its shore. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2023 Rent paddleboats, check out performers on multiple stages, try crafting, play double Dutch, experiment with interactive art, or hang out in the beer and wine garden. Michael J. West, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2023 In 1975, his father, a Navy veteran and a former public affairs executive with Baltimore Gas and Electric, began renting out sailboats and paddleboats and operating a sailing school where the National Aquarium is located today, on Pratt Street, and later next to the World Trade Center. Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2023 Raymond BoydGetty Images When the weather allows, book a ride on the General Jackson Showboat, a paddleboat that lazily cruises the Cumberland River. Jessica Booth, Country Living, 27 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paddleboat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paddleboat was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near paddleboat

Cite this Entry

“Paddleboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddleboat. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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