paddler

noun

pad·​dler ˈpad-lər 

ˈpa-dᵊl-ər

plural paddlers

: one who paddles something (such as a canoe or kayak)

One of the most rewarding sights to greet an early morning canoeist is that of a great blue heron feeding along the edge of a lake. … If the paddler is careful, he can glide close to the huge blue-gray bird …

—Ton de Joode and Anthonie Stolk

In a freestyle competition, paddlers use small, flat-bottomed, and often blunt-ended, funky-looking white-water kayaks to perform routines for judges.

—Nancy Coulter-Parker

Examples of paddler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

McAlpine also carries smaller vessels through the falls, from fishing boats to paddlers. —Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 9 July 2025

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains’ peaks, Lake Granby’s clear waters create an unforgettable experience for paddlers of all skill levels. —Margaret Jackson, Denver Post, 8 July 2025

And for whitewater paddlers, the infamous Hailstone route awaits you. —arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025

During the warmer months, the Delaware River becomes a playground for paddlers and floaters alike. —Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paddler

• saddler