paddy wagon

noun

pad·​dy wagon ˈpa-dē- How to pronounce paddy wagon (audio)
sometimes offensive
: patrol wagon

Examples of paddy wagon 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.
Trash-can fires burned as police loaded people into paddy wagons. — Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 6 June 2024 They were called out of the ranks, handcuffed, and thrown into a paddy wagon in front of their unit, all shown on a video posted on the Telegram messaging app. — Neil MacFarquhar, BostonGlobe.com, 1 May 2023 As first responders clean up the mess and Shroud’s crew are packed into paddy wagons, the Z-Team gets their due on the local news. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025 In the trailer, she can be seen crawling underneath an immigration paddy wagon, recreating one of the tactics used by Kenmure neighbors to flummox officers. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paddy wagon

Word History

Etymology

probably from Paddy

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paddy wagon was in 1909

Rhymes for paddy wagon

See All Rhymes for paddy wagon

Browse Nearby Words

pad dyeing
paddy wagon
paddywhack
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paddy wagon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddy%20wagon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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