paddleboat

noun

pad·​dle·​boat ˈpa-dᵊl-ˌbōt How to pronounce paddleboat (audio)
1
: a boat propelled by one or more large paddle wheels typically powered by a steam engine
… a new sidewheel paddleboat of the sort that once carried New Yorkers on harbor and Hudson River tripsRichard F. Shepard
2
US : a small recreational boat powered by pedals that turn a paddle wheel
Paddleboats are curious vessels. They can be steered and they're powered by foot pedals so the effect is something like riding a bicycle on water.Daniel Chang

called also pedal boat, (British) pedalo

Examples of paddleboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Enjoy a sunset cruise aboard a paddleboat. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2025 Dora Canal Cottage A stay in this quaint vacation rental fronting the Dora Canal comes with relaxing moments on the front porch or by the firepit and access to kayaks and a paddleboat for setting off on the water. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2025 Pascagoula River Audubon Center Get out on the water with a kayak or paddleboat rental to look for bird species like magnolia warblers and brown pelicans at this center. Cinelle Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025 One of Snorkel Park’s best aspects is that the beach has ample amenities to rent, including snorkel equipment, paddleboats, kayaks, sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cabanas. Sandy Allen, AFAR Media, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paddleboat

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paddleboat was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paddleboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddleboat. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on paddleboat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!