paddle wheel

noun

: a wheel with paddles around its circumference used to propel a boat

Examples of paddle wheel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each holds 20 passengers and one captain who powers the craft via a pedal-drive paddle wheel. — Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026 That order sent the paddle wheel going and the deckhand was tragically killed. — Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025 To be sure, a few in the fleet of eight are no longer steam powered, but the big red paddle wheels on either side remain a romantic element. — John Oseid, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Thousands of plastic paddle wheels small enough to fit in the palm of your hand accommodate two kinds of helpful bacteria, which cover the surfaces in a thin film. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2013 See All Example Sentences for paddle wheel

Word History

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paddle wheel was in 1685

Rhymes for paddle wheel

See All Rhymes for paddle wheel

Browse Nearby Words

paddle-turn
paddle wheel
paddle wheeler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paddle wheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddle%20wheel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paddle wheel

noun
: a wheel with boards around its outer edge used to move a vessel

More from Merriam-Webster on paddle wheel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paddle wheel

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