paddler

noun

pad·​dler ˈpad-lər 

ˈpa-dᵊl-ər

plural paddlers

: one who paddles something (such as a canoe or kayak)

One of the most rewarding sights to greet an early morning canoeist is that of a great blue heron feeding along the edge of a lake. … If the paddler is careful, he can glide close to the huge blue-gray bird …

—Ton de Joode and Anthonie Stolk

In a freestyle competition, paddlers use small, flat-bottomed, and often blunt-ended, funky-looking white-water kayaks to perform routines for judges.

—Nancy Coulter-Parker

Examples of paddler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Small crafts include owners of small to medium sized motor and sail boats, affecting fisherman, para-sailors, windsurfers and canoe paddlers. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Soon, the sun burned through the morning fog as more than 100 people gathered on the sandbar to welcome the paddlers at the end of their journey and offer prayer and song. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025

The sanctuary is a favorite of paddlers who enjoy the calm mangrove swamps, as well as kiteboarders who relish the excellent conditions at the park’s bay. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025

Latta Nature Preserve provides convenient access for paddlers to explore its scenic beauty. —Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paddler

• saddler