noun
paddle
PADL
noun
1
A short pole with a broad blade at one or both ends, used to propel and steer a small boat.
"He gripped the paddle firmly as the canoe hit the rapids."
verb
1
To move a small boat through water using a paddle.
"They paddled across the lake at sunset."
2
To wade or splash about playfully in shallow water.
"The kids paddled in the rock pools all afternoon."
How to Use Paddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe tool used to row a canoe or kayak, or the action of using one — also used for splashing about in shallow water.
Common pairings
paddle a canoe
paddle in the shallows
Word Forms
paddled past tense, paddled past tense, paddles singular, paddles singular
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He gripped the _____ firmly as the canoe hit the rapids.
Etymology
Partly from an old verb meaning "to splash or dabble," and partly from a Middle English word for a small spade-like tool.