paddle
noun · verb
Simple meaning
A two-handed implement made up of a shaft with one or two blades attached to the end used to propel a canoe.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
paduhlSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈpædəl
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
A two-handed implement consisting of a shaft with one or two blades attached to the end(s) used to propel a canoe, kayak or a small boat. A paddle is unattached to the boat and freely operated with the hands, compared with an oar which is attached to the boat at a pivot point.
A short light oar used without an oarlock to propel a canoe or small boat
A single-bladed version is typically used on canoes and some other small boats.
A double-bladed version with blades at each end of the shaft is used for kayaking.
A blade of a waterwheel.
A kitchen utensil shaped like a paddle and used for mixing, beating etc.
verb
transitive
To propel something through water with a paddle, oar, hands, etc.
intransitive
To row a boat with less than one's full capacity.
Walk unsteadily
intransitivebritish
To walk or dabble playfully in shallow water, especially at the seaside.
Swim like a dog in shallow water
To pat or stroke amorously or gently.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- B2 · Upper Intermediate (estimated)
- Frequency
- Moderately Common
- Typical Use
- Neutral / general English
More ways to use paddle
- “Paddle your own canoe.”verb
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
A large wheel fitted with paddles and driven by an engine in order to propel a boat.
A steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels.
A steam vessel propelled by paddle wheels.
A wooden covering for the upper part of a paddlewheel.
A short light oar used without an oarlock to propel a canoe or small boat.
Paddle used to play table tennis.
Related Words
Connected to the same idea, not synonyms.
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.