paddle

pad-dle · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A short pole with a flat blade used to propel a canoe or small boat.

  2. 2.

    To propel a boat using a paddle.

  3. 3.

    A flat implement used in table tennis or similar games.

  4. 4.

    (British) To walk or wade in shallow water.

  5. 5.

    (British) An act of wading or splashing in shallow water.

  6. 6.

    To spank lightly with a flat object.

Forms

plural: paddles

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    up the creek without a paddle — in a difficult situation with no solution
  • •
    paddle one's own canoe — to be independent and self-sufficient

Related words

See also: canoe, kayak, oar, row
Synonyms: blade, oar

Etymology

Of uncertain origin, possibly related to Low German paddeln ("to tramp about").