paddle

Everyday

1. A short pole with a flat wide end, used to move a canoe or small boat through water. tree →
2. To move a boat with a paddle. tree →
3. To walk in shallow water, such as at the beach or in a stream. tree →
4. A bat for table tennis (mainly American). tree →

In the lessons

In outdoor safety, people paddle canoes and kayaks wearing life jackets. At the beach, children paddle in the shallows with an adult watching. In science, a paddle pushes water backwards, which pushes the boat forwards. Phrases: paddle a canoe, go for a paddle, paddle steamer, paddling pool.

Examples

• We paddled the canoe across the lake. tree →
• Hold your paddle with both hands. tree →
• The children paddled at the edge of the sea. tree →
• Always wear a life jacket when you paddle. tree →
• Ducks paddle with their webbed feet. tree →
• The baby splashed in the paddling pool. tree →
• Pass me a ping-pong paddle. tree →
• "How dare you paddle around in my stream and stir up all the mud!" he shouted fiercely. tree →

Note

Countable noun; regular verb (paddled, paddling), double d. A "paddling pool" (UK) is called a "wading pool" in the USA. Difference: a canoe paddle usually has one blade; a kayak paddle has two. An "oar" is fixed to the boat; a paddle is held freely. Safety: only paddle where an adult can see you, and watch for waves.

In Jewish tradition

Here a small digging tool, a kind of spade or peg, carried with a soldier's weapons.

Interpretation. The law is read as keeping the camp holy and clean, because God walks in the midst of the camp.

Examples

• And thou shalt have a paddle among thy weapons; and it shall be, when thou sittest down abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee. (Torah DEU.23.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun; regular verb (paddled, paddling), double d. A "paddling pool" (UK) is called a "wading pool" in the USA. Difference: a canoe paddle usually has one blade; a kayak paddle has two. An "oar" is fixed to the boat; a paddle is held freely. Safety: only paddle where an adult can see you, and watch for waves.