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paddle

/ˈpædl/
/ˈpædəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: paddled; paddles; paddling

If you regularly ride around in a canoe, you’re undoubtedly already familiar with a paddle, a pole with a broad, flat end that is used to propel a boat forward.

Nautical types will already know that the noun form of the word paddle refers to an implement with a flat blade used to move a boat through the water. The word can also be used to describe items with a similar look, such as a paddle used in table tennis or certain kinds of video games. The verb form of paddle refers to the action of navigating through the water, either in a boat using a paddle or as a swimmer who used the hands and feet to move around in shallow water.

Definitions of paddle
  1. noun
    a short light oar used without an oarlock to propel a canoe or small boat
    synonyms: boat paddle
    see moresee less
    type of:
    oar
    an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  2. noun
    a blade of a paddle wheel or water wheel
    see moresee less
    type of:
    blade, vane
    flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water
  3. verb
    propel with a paddle
    paddle your own canoe”
    see moresee less
    types:
    feather, square
    turn the paddle; in canoeing
    type of:
    boat
    ride in a boat on water
  4. verb
    play in or as if in water, as of small children
    synonyms: dabble, splash around
    see moresee less
    type of:
    play
    be at play; be engaged in playful activity; amuse oneself in a way characteristic of children
  5. verb
    swim like a dog in shallow water
    see moresee less
    type of:
    swim
    travel through water
  6. verb
    stir with a paddle
    see moresee less
    type of:
    stir
    move an implement through
  7. noun
    small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games
    see moresee less
    types:
    pingpong paddle, table-tennis bat, table-tennis racquet
    paddle used to play table tennis
    type of:
    bat
    a club used for hitting a ball in various games
  8. noun
    an instrument of punishment consisting of a flat board
    see moresee less
    type of:
    instrument of punishment
    an instrument designed and used to punish a condemned person
  9. verb
    give a spanking to; subject to a spanking
    synonyms: larrup, spank
    see moresee less
    type of:
    beat, beat up, work over
    give a beating to; subject to a beating, either as a punishment or as an act of aggression
  10. verb
    walk unsteadily
    synonyms: coggle, dodder, toddle, totter, waddle
    see moresee less
    type of:
    walk
    use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
Pronunciation
US
/ˈpædl/
UK
/ˈpædəl/
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