noun
Uncommon
paddy
PA-dee
Paddy (noun) means a flooded field used for growing rice. Example: “Farmers worked knee-deep in the paddy fields.”
noun
1
A flooded field used for growing rice.
"Farmers worked knee-deep in the paddy fields."
"Green shoots covered the paddy after the workers planted the seedlings."
"Water buffalo walked slowly along the edge of the paddy."
2
Rice still in its husk, before milling.
"The paddy was left to dry in the sun before processing."
"The farmer sold the paddy to a mill that removes the husks."
"Workers spread the harvested paddy on mats to dry."
3
Informal British/Irish English for a sudden fit of temper.
"He threw a paddy when his flight was delayed."
"The toddler got into a paddy when we left the playground."
"Dad was in a right paddy because the car would not start."
How to use paddy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually a rice field, but in casual British/Irish speech it also means a tantrum.
When to use it
"Throw a paddy" is informal British/Irish slang; avoid it in formal writing.
Common pairings
rice paddy
throw a paddy
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Word forms
- Plural
- paddies
- Comparative
- more paddy
- Superlative
- most paddy
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Farmers worked knee-deep in the _____ fields.
Etymology
From the Malay word for the rice plant, padi.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for paddy
See all rhymes for 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.
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