paddler

IPA/ˈpæd.lər/
IPA/ˈpæd.lɚ/

paddler — noun

  • paddlersingular
  • paddlersplural

1. a person who uses a paddle with a wide flat blade to push a small narrow boat ac

1.nounB2
Definition

a person who uses a paddle with a wide flat blade to push a small narrow boat across the water

Example

An experienced paddler, Asher guided the canoe through the fast-flowing river with smooth strokes.

paddler + guided + canoe through [waterway]

Every paddler in the race received a waterproof map showing the route across the lake.

Common collocations
  • experienced paddler
  • competitive paddler
  • kayak paddler
  • canoe paddler
  • paddler in a canoe/kayak
Synonyms
  • canoeist

    specifically refers to someone who travels by canoe, whereas 'paddler' can also apply to kayaks

  • kayaker

    refers specifically to someone in a kayak, not a canoe

  • oarsman

    refers to someone who uses oars rather than paddles; used for rowing boats, not canoes or kayaks

Usage Note

This is the most common sense of the word. Often used with a modifier describing the type of boat (kayak paddler, canoe paddler) or the skill level (experienced paddler, competitive paddler).

Common Mistakes

The rower used a paddle to move the boat.
The paddler used a paddle to move the canoe.
'rower' specifically refers to someone using oars in a rowing boat, not a canoe or kayak.

2. a person who walks barefoot in shallow water for pleasure, especially at a beach

2.nounB1
Definition

a person who walks barefoot in shallow water for pleasure, especially at a beach or in a stream

Example

The children were happy paddlers, splashing through the shallow waves at the beach.

happy paddlers + splashing through [water]

Jin rolled up his trousers before joining the other paddlers in the cool stream.

Common collocations
  • paddlers at the beach
  • paddlers in the stream
  • happy paddlers
  • groups of paddlers
Synonyms
  • wader

    more common in American English; also refers to waterproof boots for fishing

  • bather

    broader term for someone who goes into water, not limited to shallow barefoot walking

Usage Note

This sense is chiefly British. In American English, 'wader' or 'someone wading' is more common. The activity is typically done for relaxation or play, especially by children at the seaside.

Common Mistakes

The paddler wore waterproof boots to walk in the stream.
The paddler took off his shoes to walk barefoot in the stream.
'paddler' in this sense specifically means walking without shoes or socks.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Paddler is the broadest of these terms, covering anyone who propels a small boat with a handheld paddle — whether canoe, kayak, or similar vessel. A canoeist specifically travels by canoe, sitting or kneeling and using a single-bladed paddle. A kayaker uses a double-bladed paddle from a low seated position inside a covered kayak. Rower and oarsman both refer to someone who uses oars (oars are attached to the boat and pivot on the side) rather than a free paddle — typically in a rowing boat or racing shell. For example, you would say 'the rowers trained on the river at dawn' for a crew team, but 'the paddler steered the kayak through the rapids' for someone in a kayak.

canoeistkayakerroweroarsman ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a group of paddlers
  • a competitive paddler
  • an experienced paddler

Prepositions

Etymology

English

The noun 'paddler' is formed from the verb 'paddle' (dating from the 1500s, originally meaning to move a boat using a paddle) plus the suffix '-er', which creates agent nouns meaning 'a person who does something'. The verb's second meaning — walking barefoot in shallow water — developed in British English around the 1800s, giving rise to a separate sense of 'paddler' as 'someone who wades for pleasure'.

First known use

1611

1611, in the meaning defined above