paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpa-dək 

-dik

1

a

: a usually enclosed area used especially for pasturing or exercising animals

led the sheep into the paddock

especially : an enclosure where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race

b

Australia and New Zealand : an often enclosed field

2

: an area at an automobile racecourse where racing cars are parked

Examples of paddock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Australian company Gilmour Space aims to make a second attempt to reach space in 2026, having turned a cow paddock into a launch pad. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Papaya rules The paddock has been abuzz with chatter about a minor collision between the two McLarens in the last race, in Singapore, where Norris pulled off a daring overtake on the inside of Piastri in the opening corners, bumping wheels with his teammate and rival. —Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025

The racing league may be known for its high-octane drama and million-dollar vehicles, but like Johnson, there’s also a growing community of Black women who are taking up space in the paddock. —Essence, 17 Oct. 2025

Skin care brands like Elemis are entering the paddock, which shows just how broad the lifestyle appeal has become. —Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English parrok, from Old English pearroc, from Medieval Latin parricus

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for paddock

• haddock
• dyadic
• faradic
• monadic
• nomadic
• sporadic
• triadic

Kids Definition

paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpad-ək 

-ik

1

: an enclosed area where animals are put to eat grass or to exercise

2

: an enclosed area where racehorses are saddled and paraded before moving to the racetrack