paddling
/ˈpædəlɪŋ/
NOUN
1. Propelling a boat through water
The act of moving a boat or other watercraft through water using a paddle, oar, hands, or similar means.
1.1. Canoeing and kayaking
Using a paddle to propel and steer a canoe, kayak, or other small watercraft.
Synonyms
Examples
- The friends spent a relaxing afternoon paddling down the river.
- The rhythmic paddling of the kayakers created a soothing sound on the lake.
Related Words
- boating
- navigation
- steering
- sailing
- watercraft
1.2. The act of using a paddle
The physical action or repeated movement of using a paddle to move through water.
Synonyms
- paddle strokes
- paddle movement
Examples
- The instructor demonstrated the correct paddling technique.
Related Words
- strokes
- propulsion
- rowing
- sculling
NOUN
2. Striking someone with a paddle
The act of hitting or spanking someone with a flat implement called a paddle, especially as a form of corporal punishment.
2.1. Corporal punishment
The act of striking someone's buttocks with a paddle as a disciplinary punishment.
Synonyms
Examples
- The historical account described paddling as a form of school punishment.
- The practice of paddling was eventually prohibited in the institution.
Related Words
- discipline
- punishment
- striking
- physical chastisement
NOUN
3. Moving or playing in shallow water
The act of walking, splashing, or playing in shallow water, particularly near a beach or shoreline.
3.1. Wading and splashing
Walking or moving playfully through shallow water, often for recreation.
Synonyms
Examples
- The children enjoyed paddling in the shallow water near the beach.
- Families spent the afternoon paddling along the shoreline.
Related Words
- bathing
- swimming
- shore play
- water play
NOUN
4. Walking or moving with small steps
The act of walking with short, unsteady steps, especially in the manner of a young child learning to walk.
4.1. Toddling
Moving forward with small, uncertain steps, typically like a toddler.
Synonyms
- toddling
- waddling
Examples
- The toddler's paddling across the room made everyone smile.
Related Words
- shuffling
- staggering
- ambling
NOUN
5. Touching or stroking gently
The act of touching, patting, or stroking someone or something gently with the hands or fingers.
5.1. Gentle or affectionate touching
Moving the hands or fingers gently over someone or something in a soothing or affectionate manner.
Synonyms
Examples
- The gentle stroking of the puppy helped calm it down.
Related Words
- touching
- petting
- rubbing
- handling
VERB
6. Propelling a boat through water
Moving a boat or other watercraft through water by repeatedly pushing a paddle against the water.
6.1. Canoeing and kayaking
Using a paddle to move or steer a canoe, kayak, or small boat.
Synonyms
Examples
- The friends spent the afternoon paddling down the river.
- She enjoys paddling along the coast in her kayak.
Related Words
- navigating
- steering
- propelling
- boating
6.2. Rowing with reduced effort
Moving a boat through water with gentle strokes or less than one's full rowing strength.
Synonyms
- rowing gently
- sculling slowly
Examples
- They were paddling slowly across the lake.
Related Words
- drifting
- gliding
- floating
VERB
7. Striking someone with a paddle
Hitting or spanking someone with a flat paddle, especially as a form of corporal punishment.
7.1. Spanking and corporal punishment
Striking someone, typically on the buttocks, with a paddle as a disciplinary measure.
Synonyms
Examples
- The historical records describe teachers paddling students as punishment.
Related Words
- hitting
- striking
- punishing
- chastising
VERB
8. Walking or playing in shallow water
Walking, splashing, or playing in shallow water, especially near the seaside.
8.1. Wading and splashing
Moving through shallow water in a relaxed or playful manner.
Synonyms
Examples
- The children were paddling in the shallow water near the beach.
- We spent the afternoon paddling along the shore.
Related Words
VERB
9. Touching or stroking gently
Touching, patting, or stroking someone or something gently or affectionately.
9.1. Gentle or affectionate touching
Using the hands or fingers to touch or stroke someone or something gently.
Synonyms
Examples
- She was gently stroking the puppy's head.
Related Words
- touching
- petting
- rubbing
- handling
9.2. Handling or playing with something
Touching, manipulating, or playing with an object using the hands or fingers.
Synonyms
- handling
- toying with
- manipulating
Examples
- The child was handling the soft fabric curiously.
Related Words
- touching
- examining
- fingering
VERB
10. Treading or trampling upon something
Stepping on or walking over something, sometimes repeatedly or forcefully.
10.1. Trampling and stepping
Walking over or crushing something underfoot.
Synonyms
- trampling
- treading
- tromping
- stamping
Examples
- The animals were trampling through the muddy field.
Related Words
- stepping
- stomping
- crushing
- walking
VERB
11. Walking with small, unsteady steps
Walking with short, uncertain steps, especially like a young child learning to walk.
11.1. Toddling
Moving forward with small, unsteady steps.
Synonyms
- toddling
- waddling
Examples
- The toddler was toddling across the room toward her mother.
Related Words
- shuffling
- staggering
- ambling