How to pronounce paddle
Say it like PAD-ul. Paddle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAD).
- PAD
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paddle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PADSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of paddle
American and British speakers say paddle in essentially the same way: /ˈpædəl/ in the US and /ˈpædəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: PAD-ul.
What does paddle mean?
- A single-bladed version is typically used on canoes and some other small boats.
- A double-bladed version with blades at each end of the shaft is used for kayaking.
- The use of a paddle to propel a boat; a session of paddling.“We had a nice paddle this morning.”
- To propel something through water with a paddle, oar, hands, etc.
- To row a boat with less than one's full capacity.
- To spank with a paddle.
- To walk or dabble playfully in shallow water, especially at the seaside.
- To dog paddle in water.
- To toddle.
Where does paddle come from?
Middle English padell is from Medieval Latin padela, itself of uncertain origin: perhaps an alteration of Middle English *spaddle (see also spaddle), a diminutive of spade; or from Latin patella (“pan, plate”), the diminutive of patina, or a merger of the two.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with paddle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of paddle.
Questions about saying paddle
How do you pronounce paddle?
Say PAD-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpædəl/. In British English it is /ˈpædəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paddle?
Paddle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAD). Broken into parts: PAD · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say paddle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpædəl/ and the British form is /ˈpædəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.