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noun

paddling

Paddling (noun) means the activity of propelling a small boat with a paddle. Example: “A morning of paddling left his arms sore.”

noun
1
The activity of propelling a small boat with a paddle.
"A morning of paddling left his arms sore."
2
A group of ducks resting or floating together on water.
"A paddling of ducks drifted near the reeds."

How to use paddling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRowing with a paddle, or the collective term for a group of ducks on water.

Memory tip

Like "a flock of birds" or "a pride of lions," "a paddling of ducks" is one of English's many quirky collective nouns.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word forms

paddlings plural

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A morning of _____ left his arms sore.

Etymology

From paddle + -ing.

Frequently asked questions

What does “paddling” mean?

The word “paddling” means the activity of propelling a small boat with a paddle. In plain terms, rowing with a paddle, or the collective term for a group of ducks on water.

How do you use “paddling” in a sentence?

Here is “paddling” used in a sentence: “A morning of paddling left his arms sore.”

What part of speech is “paddling”?

“Paddling” is a noun.

How many meanings does “paddling” have?

“Paddling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the activity of propelling a small boat with a paddle.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary