paddle paddle /ˈpædəl/

noun

1. A short light oar used without an oarlock to propel a canoe or small boat  ( boat paddle , paddle )
   a short light oar used without an oarlock to propel a canoe or small boat
    The kayaker dipped her paddle into the water and pulled it back, propelling herself forward
   The kayaker dipped her paddle into the water and pulled it back, propelling herself forward
   
   
2. An instrument of punishment consisting of a flat board  ( paddle )
   an instrument of punishment consisting of a flat board
   
3. A blade of a paddle wheel or water wheel  ( paddle )
   a blade of a paddle wheel or water wheel
   
4. Small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games  ( paddle )
   small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games
    For our beach outing, we brought a paddle to play some casual ping pong.
   For our beach outing, we brought a paddle to play some casual ping pong.
   
   

verb

1. () Propel with a paddle  ( paddle )
   propel with a paddle
    Paddle your own canoe
   paddle your own canoe
   
2. Stir with a paddle  ( paddle )
   stir with a paddle
   
3. [ N. American] Give a spanking to; subject to a spanking  ( larrup [Informal] , paddle [ N. American] , spank )
   give a spanking to; subject to a spanking
   
4. Walk unsteadily  ( coggle , dodder , paddle , toddle , totter , waddle )
   walk unsteadily
    Small children toddle
   small children toddle
   
5. Swim like a dog in shallow water  ( paddle )
   swim like a dog in shallow water
   
6. Play in or as if in water, as of small children  ( dabble , paddle , splash around )
   play in or as if in water, as of small children