1
a
: a usually wooden implement that has a long handle and a broad flattened blade and that is used to propel and steer a small craft (such as a canoe)
b
: an implement often with a short handle and a broad flat blade that is used for stirring, mixing, or hitting
especially
: one used to hit a ball in any of various games (such as table tennis)
c
: a small usually numbered sign that is raised by a bidder at an auction to signal a bid
d
: a flat electrode that is the part of a defibrillator placed on the chest of a patient and through which a shock of electricity is discharged
2
a
: any of the broad boards at the circumference of a paddle wheel or waterwheel
b
: any of the broad blades attached to a shaft (as in an ice cream machine) and used for stirring
3
: a computer input device with a dial used to control linear movement of a cursor on a computer display
paddled; paddling
ˈpad-liŋ 
ˈpa-dᵊl-iŋ
: to go on or through water by or as if by means of a paddle or paddle wheel
1
a
: to propel by a paddle
b
: to transport in a paddled craft
paddled us to shore in his canoe
2
a
: to beat or stir with or as if with a paddle (as in washing or dyeing)
b
: to punish by or as if by beating with a paddle
paddled; paddling
1
: to move the hands or feet about in shallow water
2
: toddle
3
archaic
: to use the hands or fingers in toying or caressing
Examples of paddle in a Sentence
Noun
Use the mixer's paddle attachment to mix the dough.
The potter used a paddle to shape the clay.
Verb (1)
I like to paddle on the river for exercise and relaxation
back in those times it was acceptable for teachers to paddle misbehaving students
Recent Examples on the Web
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
In 43% of cases, injury was caused by a direct hit by the ball, followed by falls while playing (28%), and being hit by the paddle (12%).
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Kimberly Lyn, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
When the beach is at low tide, visitors can explore the large sea cave and tide pools, or hop on a kayak to paddle through coastal kelp beds.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paddle
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show current usage.
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Noun
Remove saucepan from heat, and transfer dough to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
In 43% of cases, injury was caused by a direct hit by the ball, followed by falls while playing (28%), and being hit by the paddle (12%).
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Windy conditions didn’t stop us from paddling through its wavy, aquamarine waters while snapping smiling selfies.
—Kimberly Lyn, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
When the beach is at low tide, visitors can explore the large sea cave and tide pools, or hop on a kayak to paddle through coastal kelp beds.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for paddle
Cite this Entry
“Paddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
paddle
2 of 3 noun1
a
: an instrument with a flat blade to move and steer a small boat (as a canoe)
b
: an instrument used for stirring, mixing, or hitting
c
: a short bat with a broad flat blade used to hit the ball in various games (as table tennis)
2
: one of the broad boards at the outer rim of a paddle wheel or waterwheel
paddle
3 of 3 verb
paddled; paddling
ˈpad-liŋ
-ᵊl-iŋ
1
: to move or drive forward with or as if with a paddle
2
: to stir or mix with a paddle
3
: to beat with or as if with a paddle
Etymology
Verb
origin unknown
Noun
Middle English padell "a device for cleaning a plow"
Medical Definition
paddle
noun
pad·dle
ˈpad-ᵊl
: a flat electrode that is the part of a defibrillator placed on the chest of a patient and through which a shock of electricity is discharged
called also paddle electrode
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