OpenSynonym

paddle

/ˈpædəl/

NOUN

1. A blade used to propel a boat

A handheld implement with a broad, flat blade used to move a canoe, kayak, or other small watercraft through water.

1.1. Canoe and small-boat propulsion

A single-bladed implement used to propel and steer a canoe or small boat.

Synonyms

Examples

  • He dipped the paddle into the water and moved the canoe forward.
  • She rested her paddle across the sides of the boat.

Related Words

1.2. Kayaking implement

A double-bladed implement used by a kayaker to propel and steer a kayak.

Synonyms

  • kayak paddle

Examples

  • The kayaker raised his paddle before entering the rapids.
  • A lightweight paddle makes long kayaking trips easier.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A flat implement used for striking or mixing

A flat, broad implement resembling a paddle, used for striking, beating, stirring, or mixing.

2.1. Spanking implement

A flat wooden or other rigid implement used to strike someone, traditionally as a form of corporal punishment.

Synonyms

  • spanking paddle

Examples

  • The antique paddle was displayed in the historical collection.

Related Words

2.2. Kitchen mixing utensil

A broad, flat kitchen tool used to stir, beat, fold, or mix ingredients.

Synonyms

  • stirrer
  • mixing tool

Examples

  • She used a wooden paddle to mix the thick dough.

Related Words

  • spatula
  • wooden spoon
  • mixer
  • batter

2.3. Table-tennis bat

A flat, usually wooden or composite implement used to hit the ball in table tennis.

Synonyms

  • ping-pong bat
  • table-tennis bat

Examples

  • He picked up his paddle and prepared to serve.

Related Words

  • racket
  • table tennis
  • ping-pong
  • rubber

NOUN

3. A flat or movable part of a mechanical device

A broad, flat component that moves, rotates, or controls the movement of water or another mechanism.

3.1. Paddlewheel component

One of the flat blades or slats attached to a paddlewheel that pushes against water to propel a vessel or operate machinery.

Synonyms

  • blade
  • slat

Examples

  • One damaged paddle reduced the efficiency of the paddlewheel.

Related Words

  • paddlewheel
  • waterwheel
  • wheel
  • propeller

3.2. Water-control panel

A movable panel in a sluice or water channel used to regulate the flow of water.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The operator raised the paddle to allow more water through the channel.

Related Words

  • sluice
  • water control
  • valve
  • flow regulator

3.3. Video-game controller

A hand-operated game controller, often equipped with a rotating knob, used to control movement along one axis on a video screen.

Synonyms

  • game controller

Examples

  • The player turned the paddle to move the object across the screen.

Related Words

  • joystick
  • control knob
  • video game
  • input device

NOUN

4. A flat limb adapted for swimming

A broad, flattened body part of an aquatic animal used for swimming and movement through water.

4.1. Aquatic animal limb

A flattened limb or appendage, such as that of a turtle or seal, adapted to propel the animal through water.

Synonyms

  • flipper

Examples

  • The seal moved through the water using its powerful paddles.

Related Words

  • fin
  • webbed foot
  • swimming limb
  • appendage

NOUN

5. A short period of walking or playing in shallow water

An informal walk or playful movement through shallow water, especially at the edge of the sea.

5.1. Wading and splashing

A casual activity involving walking or splashing through shallow water for enjoyment.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The children went for a paddle in the shallow water.

Related Words

NOUN

6. The act of propelling a boat

The activity or effort involved in moving a boat through water using a paddle, oar, or hands.

6.1. Boating activity

The act or duration of moving a canoe, kayak, or small boat through water by paddling.

Synonyms

Examples

  • After an hour of paddling, they reached the opposite shore.

Related Words

NOUN

7. A handheld electrode

A handheld electrode used to deliver an electrical shock during defibrillation or cardioversion.

7.1. Medical defibrillation electrode

An electrode placed against a patient's body to deliver an electrical impulse to the heart.

Synonyms

  • defibrillator electrode

Examples

  • The medical team positioned the defibrillator paddles on the patient's chest.

Related Words

  • defibrillator
  • cardioversion
  • electrode
  • resuscitation

NOUN

8. A hand

An informal or specialized use of the word referring to a person's hand.

8.1. Hand or manual appendage

A rare or specialized reference to the hand as an instrument for handling or manipulating something.

Synonyms

Related Words

  • palm
  • fingers
  • limb
  • appendage

NOUN

9. The sport of padel

A racket-like implement associated with padel, a racket sport played on an enclosed court.

9.1. Padel equipment

A solid, perforated racket used to hit the ball in the sport of padel.

Synonyms

  • padel racket

Examples

  • She bought a new paddle for her first padel match.

Related Words

VERB

10. Moving a boat through water

To propel or steer a boat through water by using a paddle, oar, or one's hands.

10.1. Propelling a boat

Moving a canoe, kayak, or small boat through water by repeatedly pushing a paddle against the water.

Synonyms

Examples

  • They paddled across the lake before sunset.
  • She paddled the canoe toward the riverbank.

Related Words

10.2. Paddling with reduced effort

Moving a boat through water with slow or gentle strokes rather than using full rowing effort.

Synonyms

  • row gently
  • drift

Examples

  • They paddled slowly along the quiet river.

Related Words

  • cruise
  • glide
  • float

VERB

11. Striking someone with a paddle

To hit or beat someone with a flat implement, traditionally as a form of corporal punishment.

11.1. Spanking or corporal punishment

Striking someone repeatedly with a paddle, usually on the buttocks, as a punishment.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The historical account described how students were paddled as punishment.

Related Words

VERB

12. Walking or playing in shallow water

To walk, splash, or play in shallow water, especially near a beach or shoreline.

12.1. Wading and splashing

Moving through shallow water in a relaxed or playful manner.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The children paddled in the shallow water near the beach.
  • We paddled along the shoreline on a warm afternoon.

Related Words

VERB

13. Touching or stroking gently

To touch, pat, or stroke something gently with the hands or fingers.

13.1. Gentle touching or caressing

Using the hands or fingers to touch, stroke, or handle something gently, sometimes affectionately.

Synonyms

Examples

  • She gently paddled the puppy's ears with her fingers.

Related Words

VERB

14. Walking with small or unsteady steps

To walk with short, often unsteady steps, especially as a young child.

14.1. Toddling

Moving forward with small, uncertain steps, typically in the manner of a young child.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The toddler paddled across the room toward her mother.

Related Words

  • stagger
  • shuffle
  • amble

VERB

15. Trampling or treading upon

To step on or tread over something, sometimes repeatedly or carelessly.

15.1. Stepping or trampling

Putting one's feet on something or walking over it with repeated steps.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The animals paddled through the muddy ground.

Related Words