paddle

/ˈpædəl/
noun
  1. A short pole with a wide flat end, used to move a small boat through water.
    • She dipped the paddle into the calm lake and pulled gently.
    • The old wooden paddle had a smooth handle worn by years of use.
    • We each took a paddle and helped steer the canoe downstream.
  2. A tool with a flat part used for hitting the ball in table tennis or similar games.
    • My table tennis paddle has a rubber surface for better spin.
    • She bought a new paddle with a lightweight handle.
    • He gripped the paddle tightly and returned the serve.
  3. A flat, wide blade on a wheel that pushes water or air, as in a paddle wheel or a mixer.
    • Each paddle on the wheel splashed water as the boat moved forward.
    • The machine had a broken paddle that needed replacing.
    • The mixer's paddle rotated slowly, blending the ingredients.
  4. A short, flat piece of wood used for spanking as a form of punishment.
    • He was given a few swats with a paddle for breaking the window.
    • In some old schools, teachers used a paddle for discipline.
    • The paddle hung on the wall as a reminder of past rules.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To move a small boat through water using a paddle.
    • They paddled the canoe across the quiet lake.
    • He paddled hard against the current to reach the shore.
    • We paddled slowly to avoid scaring the birds.
  2. To walk or play in shallow water, especially with bare feet.
    • The children paddled in the cool stream on a hot summer day.
    • We took off our shoes and paddled along the beach.
    • She paddled at the water's edge, looking for shells.
  3. To hit or spank with a flat object, especially as punishment.
    • The coach threatened to paddle any player who broke the rules.
    • He was paddled for talking back to the teacher.
    • In the past, parents sometimes paddled their children for misbehaving.
Synonyms