paddle
gb/pˈædəl/ us/pˈædəl/
A2
English
~ 9500
evező, evez, pingpongütő, asztalitenisz-ütő, pancsol, pancsolás, fenekeléshez használt lapát, fenekelőlapát, fenekelőlapáttal elfenekel, csapkod, kapálózik, keverőlapát
NOUN
A2
1
evező
B1
Usage pattern:
a paddle for [a canoe/small boat]
We forgot one of the paddles and had to share on the way back.
Az egyik evezőt elfelejtettük magunkkal hozni, ezért visszafelé meg kellett osztoznunk rajta.
She dipped her paddle into the lake and pushed off from the shore.
Belemártotta az evezőjét a tóba, és ellökte magát a parttól.
The guide showed us how to hold the paddle correctly before we got into the kayaks.
He lost his paddle in the current and the canoe started spinning.
They rented a canoe and two life jackets but brought their own paddles.
Learner examples
He holds the paddle with both hands.
Két kézzel fogja az evezőt.
The canoe has one paddle for each person.
A kenuban minden személyre jut egy evező.
She puts the paddle in the water and moves the boat.
We need one more paddle for this boat.
The paddle falls into the river.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "paddle" with "pedal". A "paddle" is for boats and water; a "pedal" is what you press with your foot on a bike or in a car. They also mix up "paddle" and "oar"; in everyday talk, both may be understood, but for canoes and kayaks, "paddle" is the natural word.
Meaning
a small boat-moving oar
Collocations
canoe paddle
|kayak paddle
|double-bladed paddle
|wooden paddle
|paddle blade
Synonyms
oar (An oar is usually longer and fixed to the side of a larger boat, while a paddle is held freely in the hands and is typical for canoes and kayaks.)
Antonyms
motor (A motor moves a boat using an engine, which is the opposite of manually powering it with a paddle.)
Themes
travel
|sports
|outdoors
|transportation
Definition
A short stick with a flat end that you hold in your hands to move a canoe or small boat in the water.
A short pole with a flat blade at one or both ends, held in the hands and used to move or steer a canoe, kayak, or other small boat through water.
VERB
B1
2
evez
A2
Usage pattern:
to paddle [a canoe/boat] [somewhere]
We paddled the canoe quietly down the river at sunrise.
Napkeltekor csendben eveztünk lefelé a folyón a kenuval.
They paddled back to shore when the storm clouds rolled in.
Visszaeveztek a partra, amikor megjelentek a viharfelhők.
She learned to paddle a kayak on her summer vacation.
He paddled across the lake in under twenty minutes.
The guide told us to all paddle on the left to turn the raft.
Learner examples
We paddle the small boat across the river.
A kis csónakkal átevezünk a folyón.
She paddles slowly because she is tired.
Lassan evez, mert fáradt.
They paddle back to the beach before dark.
He learns how to paddle a kayak.
Please paddle on the right side of the boat.
Common mistake:
Learners often say "drive a canoe" or "ride a canoe". The natural verb is "paddle a canoe" or "paddle in a canoe". Also, do not say "paddle with oars"; you either "paddle with a paddle" or "row with oars".
Meaning
move a small boat with paddles
Collocations
paddle a canoe
|paddle across the lake
|paddle downstream
|paddle hard
|paddle back to shore
Synonyms
row ("Row" is more general and often used for larger boats with oars fixed to the boat; "paddle" is more specific to canoes, kayaks, and similar small craft.)
Antonyms
drift (When you drift, the boat moves with the current or wind without being actively paddled or controlled.)
Themes
travel
|sports
|outdoors
|transportation
Definition
To make a small boat go through the water by using a paddle.
To move or steer a canoe, kayak, or other small boat through water by repeatedly pushing against the water with a paddle.
NOUN
B1
3
pingpongütő
A2
Usage pattern:
a paddle for [table tennis/pickleball]
He put extra tape around the handle of his table tennis paddle.
Plusz szalagot tekert a pingpongütője nyele köré.
She forgot her paddle, so the coach lent her a spare one.
Otthon felejtette a pingpongütőjét, ezért az edző kölcsönadott neki egy tartalék ütőt.
This pickleball paddle is lighter but has a bigger sweet spot.
I prefer a paddle with a softer rubber surface for more control.
They sell paddles and balls at the sports shop across the street.
Learner examples
He buys a new ping-pong paddle.
Új pingpongütőt vesz.
She holds the paddle in her right hand.
A jobb kezében tartja az ütőt.
My paddle is heavy, so I want a lighter one.
We only have one paddle and two balls.
Please do not hit the table with the paddle.
Common mistake:
Learners often call this a "racket" in table tennis. Many speakers will understand, but in American English, "paddle" is the usual word for the flat bat in table tennis and pickleball.
Meaning
bat for table tennis or similar
Collocations
ping-pong paddle
|table tennis paddle
|pickleball paddle
|rubber paddle
|paddle grip
Synonyms
bat ("Bat" is more general and used for many sports; "paddle" is more specific to flat bats used in games like table tennis and pickleball, especially in American English.)
Antonyms
ball (In racket and paddle sports, the ball is the object being hit, playing the opposite role to the paddle, which is the tool used to hit it.)
Themes
sports
|games
Definition
A small, flat bat that you hold in one hand to hit the ball in table tennis or similar sports.
A small, flat bat with a short handle, used to hit the ball in table tennis, pickleball, and some similar games.
VERB
B2
4
pancsol
A2
Usage pattern:
to paddle in [the sea/a pool]
The children paddled in the sea while their parents watched from the beach.
A gyerekek a tengerben pancsoltak, miközben a szüleik a partról figyelték őket.
We took off our shoes and paddled in the cold stream.
Levettük a cipőnket, és a hideg patakban pancsoltunk.
On hot days, office workers sometimes paddle in the city fountain at lunchtime.
She rolled up her trousers and paddled at the edge of the lake.
Tourists were paddling in the shallows despite the warning signs.
Learner examples
The kids paddle in the water near the beach.
A gyerekek a part közelében pancsolnak a vízben.
I like to paddle in the sea on hot days.
Szeretek a tengerben pancsolni meleg napokon.
We take off our shoes and paddle in the river.
She paddles in the pool with her little son.
Many people paddle in the water but do not swim.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "paddle" here means full swimming. In British English, to "paddle" usually means just going into shallow water up to your ankles or calves, not swimming. Also, this sense is much more common in British than in American English.
Meaning
walk or play in shallow water
Collocations
paddle in the sea
|paddle in the shallows
|children paddling
|paddle at the water's edge
|paddle in the river
Synonyms
wade ("Wade" often suggests moving through water that may be deeper or more difficult, while "paddle" suggests light, playful movement in very shallow water.)
Antonyms
stay ashore (To stay ashore means to remain on dry land and not go into the water at all, which is the opposite of going in to paddle.)
Themes
leisure
|daily life
|outdoors
|daily_life
|travel
Definition
To walk or stand in water that is not deep, usually at the edge of the sea or a pool, just for fun.
Especially in British English, to walk, stand, or play in shallow water, usually barefoot and for enjoyment rather than for swimming.
NOUN
B2
5
pancsolás
A2
Usage pattern:
to go for a paddle
Let's go for a paddle before the tide comes in.
Menjünk pancsolni egy kicsit, mielőtt bejön a dagály.
The children had a quick paddle in the sea after lunch.
Ebéd után a gyerekek gyorsan pancsoltak egyet a tengerben.
We stopped for a paddle in the river to cool our feet.
It was too cold to swim, but we managed a short paddle.
They promised the kids a paddle if they behaved in the car.
Learner examples
We go for a paddle at the beach.
Pancsolni megyünk a strandra.
The boys have a little paddle in the lake.
A fiúk pancsolnak egy kicsit a tóban.
She wants a paddle in the sea before dinner.
It is cold, so we only have a short paddle.
The children enjoy a paddle in the river.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "a paddle" must always be an object. In British English, "a paddle" can also mean the activity itself: a short, playful time in shallow water.
Meaning
short time in shallow water
Collocations
go for a paddle
|have a quick paddle
|a paddle in the sea
|a paddle in the shallows
|take the kids for a paddle
Synonyms
wade (You can say "go for a wade", but this is less common and sounds less playful; "paddle" usually sounds light and fun.)
Antonyms
sunbathe (When you sunbathe, you stay on dry land to lie in the sun instead of going into the water for a paddle.)
Themes
leisure
|daily life
|outdoors
|daily_life
|travel
Definition
A short time when you go into shallow water just to play or cool your feet.
Especially in British English, a brief, informal activity of walking or playing in shallow water for enjoyment.
NOUN
C1
6
Usage pattern:
a paddle for [corporal punishment]
The school used to keep a wooden paddle hanging in the principal's office.
Régen az igazgatói irodában egy fából készült fenekelőlapát lógott.
He showed us the old fraternity paddle his grandfather received in college.
Megmutatta nekünk azt a régi, diákszövetségi fenekelőlapátot, amelyet a nagyapja kapott az egyetemen.
The use of a paddle for discipline has been banned in many regions.
Parents were shocked to learn that the coach still had a paddle in the locker room.
The paddle had holes drilled into it to make it sting more when used.
Learner examples
In the past, some schools used a paddle to punish students.
Régen egyes iskolák fenekelőlapátot használtak a diákok megbüntetésére.
The teacher hit the boy with a wooden paddle.
A tanár egy fából készült fenekelőlapáttal ütötte meg a fiút.
Many people now think using a paddle is wrong.
The coach kept a large paddle in his office.
The old paddle is now only a story from history.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this sense is mainly historical or controversial in many English-speaking countries. Today, it is often mentioned when talking about the past or about debates over corporal punishment.
Meaning
flat board for spanking
Collocations
wooden paddle
|school paddle
|fraternity paddle
|paddle punishment
|paddle swats
Synonyms
strap (A strap is a strip of leather or similar material used for hitting; a paddle is a solid flat board, but both are tools for corporal punishment.)
Antonyms
reward (A reward is something positive given for good behavior, which is the opposite of being hit with a paddle as punishment.)
Themes
discipline
|education
|history
|law
Definition
A flat piece of wood with a handle that people use to hit someone on the bottom as punishment.
A flat, often wooden board with a handle, used to hit someone on the buttocks as a form of punishment, especially in schools or groups in the past.
VERB
C1
7
Usage pattern:
to paddle [someone] for [doing something]
In some schools, teachers were allowed to paddle students who broke the rules.
Egyes iskolákban a tanárok fenekelőlapáttal elfenekelhették azokat a diákokat, akik megszegték a szabályokat.
The coach threatened to paddle anyone who skipped practice again.
Az edző azzal fenyegetőzött, hogy fenekelőlapáttal elfenekel mindenkit, aki megint kihagyja az edzést.
He was paddled for talking back to the principal.
Parents disagreed with the decision to paddle their son without their permission.
She believes that no child should ever be paddled at school.
Learner examples
The teacher paddled the boy for fighting.
A tanár fenekelőlapáttal elfenekelte a fiút, amiért verekedett.
In the past, some parents paddled their children.
Régen egyes szülők fenekelőlapáttal fenekelték el a gyerekeiket.
Many people now say we should not paddle kids.
The coach said he would paddle anyone who was late again.
He was paddled in school when he was young.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "paddle" always relates to boats. In this sense, it is a punishment verb and has nothing to do with water or canoes.
Meaning
hit someone with a paddle
Collocations
paddle a student
|paddle a child
|paddle misbehaving players
|threaten to paddle
|get paddled
Synonyms
spank ("Spank" is more general and usually done with the open hand; "paddle" specifically means using a flat tool.)
Antonyms
praise (To praise someone is to speak well of them and show approval, which is the opposite of punishing them by paddling.)
Themes
discipline
|education
|violence
|law
Definition
To hit a person on the bottom with a paddle to punish them.
To strike someone, usually on the buttocks, with a flat paddle as a form of punishment or discipline.
VERB
B2
8
Usage pattern:
to paddle [with hands/with feet] in [water]
The baby laughed as she paddled her feet in the bathwater.
A baba nevetett, miközben a lábával csapkodta a fürdővizet.
He paddled with his hands to keep his head above water.
A kezével kapálózott, hogy a fejét a víz fölött tartsa.
The dog paddled furiously toward the shore.
She sat on the edge of the pool, paddling her legs in the cool water.
They paddled just enough to keep the inflatable raft from drifting away.
Learner examples
The baby paddles her feet in the bath.
A baba csapkod a lábával a fürdővízben.
He paddles with his hands to stay up in the water.
A kezével kapálózik, hogy fennmaradjon a vízen.
The dog paddles to reach the side of the pool.
She sits on the side and paddles her legs in the water.
They paddle slowly so they do not get too tired.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with the boat sense and think it always involves holding a tool. Here, no tool is used; it is just the movement of hands or feet in water.
Meaning
move hands or feet in water
Collocations
paddle with his hands
|paddle with her feet
|dogs paddling in the water
|paddle frantically
|paddle to stay afloat
Synonyms
splash ("Splash" focuses on the water flying or making noise; "paddle" focuses more on the repeated limb movement in the water.)
Antonyms
float (To float is to stay on the surface of the water without actively moving your limbs, which contrasts with paddling to move or stay up.)
Themes
sports
|body
|daily life
|daily_life
|health
Definition
To move your hands or feet again and again in water, often making splashes, sometimes to stay up in the water.
To move your hands or feet quickly in water in a short, repeated motion, often making small splashes and sometimes helping you stay afloat.
NOUN
B2
9
keverőlapát
B1
Usage pattern:
a paddle for [mixing/stirring dough]
He scraped the batter off the mixer paddle with a rubber spatula.
Gumispatulával lekaparta a tésztamasszát a robotgép keverőlapátjáról.
The ice cream shop uses a metal paddle to fold in the toppings.
A fagyizóban fémlapáttal forgatják bele a feltéteket a fagylaltba.
This bread machine comes with a removable dough paddle.
She stirred the thick sauce with a wooden paddle.
The recipe warns that the paddle attachment might overmix the dough.
Learner examples
She uses a wooden paddle to mix the dough.
Fából készült keverőlapátot használ a tészta összekeveréséhez.
The ice cream maker has a metal paddle inside.
A fagylaltgépben belül egy fém keverőlapát van.
Take the paddle out of the bread machine before you serve the bread.
He cleans the paddle after mixing the cake batter.
The mixer paddle is hard to wash.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that some kitchen tools and machine attachments are also called paddles, not only boat tools. Context (kitchen, cooking, machines) shows this meaning.
Meaning
flat kitchen tool for mixing
Collocations
mixing paddle
|dough paddle
|ice cream paddle
|wooden paddle
|paddle attachment
Synonyms
spatula (A spatula is a broader term for flat kitchen tools; a paddle is usually thicker or stronger and used for heavier mixing.)
Antonyms
whisk (A whisk is a light, wire tool for mixing thin liquids, which contrasts with a solid paddle used for thick mixtures.)
Themes
food
|home
|tools
|food_drink
Definition
A flat tool with a handle that you use in the kitchen to mix or move thick food like dough or ice cream.
A flat or slightly curved tool with a handle, used in cooking or food processing machines to stir, mix, or spread thick substances such as dough, batter, or ice cream.
Grammar
Dictionary form
paddle
IPA
GB/pˈædəl/
US/pˈædəl/
Syllables & stress
paddle (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (paddle)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: paddle
- Plural: paddles
Verb
- Base: paddle
- 3rd Person Singular: paddles
- Present Participle: paddling
- Past: paddled
Word family
Forms
paddles
noun
paddling
verb
paddled
verb
Core family
paddler
noun
Related words
paddleboard
noun
paddleboarding
noun
paddleboat
noun
Expressions
give someone a paddling
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ə pˈædlɪŋ/
fixed phrase
informal
spank someone using a paddle
To hit a person on the bottom with a paddle as a punishment.
Examples
- In those days, teachers could give you a paddling for talking in class.
- He threatened to give the boys a paddling if they broke another window.
- Many parents now say they would never give their children a paddling.
go for a paddle
1/ɡˈoʊ fɚ ə pˈædəl/
fixed phrase
take a short play in shallow water
To spend a short time walking or playing in shallow water, usually at the edge of the sea, a river, or a pool.
Examples
- Let’s go for a paddle before we head home.
- The children begged to go for a paddle even though the water was cold.
- We took off our shoes and went for a paddle in the stream.
paddle around
1/pˈædəl ɚˈaʊnd/
phrasal verb
move slowly or idly in water
To move slowly in water or in a small boat, without going to a special place or without a clear plan.
Examples
- We just paddled around the lake for an hour and enjoyed the view.
- The kids paddled around in the shallow end of the pool all afternoon.
- They rented a canoe and paddled around until sunset.
paddle out
1/pˈædəl ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
move a surfboard away from shore
To lie or sit on a surfboard and use your arms in the water to move away from the beach toward the waves.
Examples
- We paddled out just in time to catch the next big set of waves.
- She watched the experienced surfers paddle out beyond the breaking waves.
- It took him several minutes to paddle out because the current was so strong.
paddle your own canoe
1/pˈædəl jˈʊɹ ˈoʊn kənˈu/
idiom
be independent and self-reliant
To live and make decisions by yourself, without asking other people to lead you or do things for you.
Examples
- Her parents helped her at first, but now she prefers to paddle her own canoe.
- If you want to run your own business, you have to be ready to paddle your own canoe.
- He left the family company so he could paddle his own canoe in a different industry.
up the creek without a paddle
1/ˈʌp ðə kɹˈik wɪðˈaʊt ə pˈædəl/
idiom
informal
in serious trouble with no help
To be in big trouble and have no good way to fix the problem.
Examples
- When the car broke down in the desert, they were up the creek without a paddle.
- When the funding was suddenly cut, the project team was up the creek without a paddle.
- If this plan fails, we'll be up the creek without a paddle.
- If we lose this client, we’ll be up the creek without a paddle financially.
- He realized he was up the creek without a paddle after he lost both his job and his apartment in the same week.