paddy
7 synonyms for paddy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A flooded field used for growing rice.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use paddy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rice paddy
throw a paddy
"Throw a paddy" is informal British/Irish slang; avoid it in formal writing.
Etymology
From the Malay word for the rice plant, padi.
Full origin of paddy →Frequently asked questions
What does “paddy” mean?
The word “paddy” means a flooded field used for growing rice. In plain terms, usually a rice field, but in casual British/Irish speech it also means a tantrum.
How do you pronounce “paddy”?
“Paddy” is pronounced PA-dee (/ˈpædi/ in IPA).
How do you use “paddy” in a sentence?
Here is “paddy” used in a sentence: “Farmers worked knee-deep in the paddy fields.”
What part of speech is “paddy”?
“Paddy” is a noun.
Where does the word “paddy” come from?
The word “paddy” comes from Malay. From the Malay word for the rice plant, padi.
Is “paddy” a common word?
“Paddy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “paddy” have?
“Paddy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flooded field used for growing rice.
What is the difference between a "paddy" and a "paddy field"?
"Paddy" and "paddy field" are often used interchangeably for a flooded field used to grow rice. "Paddy" can also refer more narrowly to the rice grain itself while still in its husk, before milling, rather than to the field.
What does "paddy" mean in informal British or Irish English?
In informal British and Irish usage, "paddy" describes a sudden fit of temper, as in "throwing a paddy." This sense has nothing to do with rice farming and is used mainly in casual, spoken contexts.
Is "paddy" the same as "rice"?
Not quite: "paddy" specifically refers to rice still in its husk before milling, while "rice" usually refers to the milled, ready-to-cook grain. "Paddy" can also refer to the flooded field where the rice is grown.
