paddle

USAGE SUMMARY

'paddle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to propel a small boat by means of a paddle, or as a noun meaning a short oar used to propel and steer a boat. Example sentence: We paddled our small boat out onto the lake for our fishing trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There's the opportunity to take a ferry to spy some of the largely inaccessible mountains that sit next to the take, or you can go for a paddle yourself.

The Guardian - Travel

Paddle across the delta, the sea winds at your back, spotting storks, herons and kingfishers along the shore (three hours from €25).

The Guardian - Travel

The couple also donated cash to keep the legendary paddle steamer, the Waverley, afloat and taking passengers.

The Guardian

We also tried stand-up paddle boarding (SUP).

The Guardian - Travel

Set aside. 2 Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together until very light – about 5 minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a restaurant right on the beach, so parents of older kids could feasibly sit on the terrace with a beer as their children paddle in the shallows.

The Guardian - Travel

Catch a bus to Beaulieu, where you can rent a canoe and paddle to Puybrun.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

She was also no layabout; she was always on the move, be it via train, paddle-steamer, carriage or her own two feet.

The Guardian - Travel

You can rent a kayak or paddle-boat from Lake Burley Griffin Boat Hire and explore the lake's outer reaches, where abundant wildlife – including a large mob of tame kangaroos at Weston Park – can be spotted along the forested shores.

The Guardian - Travel

The former prime minister's familiar yet still odd mannerisms— the glottalised accent, designed to erase any trace of his privileged roots, the paddle-wheeling hand movements—seemed almost to invite it, so thoroughly is he reviled.

The Economist

The boats' great paddle-wheels propelled the excursionists upstream to St Paul, almost as far as the boats could then go.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing water activities, use "paddle" to denote both the action of propelling a boat and the tool used for it. For instance, "They decided to paddle down the river using their own paddles."

Common error

Avoid using "paddle" when "pedal" is the correct term. "Paddle" refers to using an oar-like tool in water, while "pedal" means to use pedals, like on a bicycle. Do not write "I paddled my bike to work", it should be "I pedaled my bike to work".

Linguistic Context

The word "paddle" functions as both a verb, describing the action of propelling a boat, and a noun, referring to the instrument used for propulsion. Ludwig confirms its correct and varied usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "paddle" is a versatile term that can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the implement used for propelling a small boat; as a verb, it describes the act of using a "paddle" to move through the water, or to play in shallow water. Ludwig confirms that "paddle" is both correct and widely used in English, appearing in a variety of sources, from news articles to scientific publications, and in contexts ranging from recreational activities to technical descriptions. Be sure to distinguish it from "pedal", and use it to appropriately convey the act of propelling a vessel using a "paddle" or the act of playing in shallow water.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propel with an oar

Focuses specifically on the action of moving a boat using an oar, highlighting the means of propulsion.

row gently

Emphasizes the gentle or leisurely manner of rowing, suggesting a relaxed pace.

splash in shallow water

Refers to playing in water, replacing the general movement with a more specific action.

spank with a flat tool

Specifies the use of a flat instrument for spanking, adding detail to the method.

caress lightly

Focuses on the gentle touching aspect, omitting the playful or amorous connotation.

mix with a utensil

Highlights the mixing action, replacing the specific tool with a more generic term.

beat with a flat implement

Emphasizes the action of beating, replacing the specific tool with a more generic term.

tread lightly

Focuses on the action of treading, with an emphasis on doing so lightly.

use a ping-pong bat

Specifies the use of a ping-pong bat.

walk in the surf

Replaces paddling with walking in the water.

FAQs

How can I use "paddle" in a sentence?

You can use "paddle" as a verb, meaning to propel a boat with a paddle, or as a noun, referring to the instrument used for paddling. For example: "We "paddle" the canoe every summer" or "The "paddle" is made of wood".

What are some synonyms for the verb "paddle" when referring to moving a boat?

Some synonyms include "row", "propel", or "navigate", depending on the specific context and type of watercraft.

Is it correct to use "paddle" to describe walking in shallow water?

Yes, "paddle" can also mean to walk or play in shallow water. For example, "The children "paddle" in the shallows at the beach".

What's the difference between a "paddle" and an "oar"?

While both are used to propel a boat, a "paddle" is typically shorter and used without a fulcrum, whereas an "oar" is longer and is used with a fulcrum (oarlock) for leverage. You "paddle" a canoe, and you "row" a rowboat.