paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpa-dək 

-dik

1

a

: a usually enclosed area used especially for pasturing or exercising animals

led the sheep into the paddock

especially : an enclosure where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race

b

Australia and New Zealand : an often enclosed field

2

: an area at an automobile racecourse where racing cars are parked

Examples of paddock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The track itself required creative thinking — finding run-off areas with limited space, figuring out where to create a paddock to fit the trucks that haul in cars and equipment. — Adam Kilgore, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Verstappen’s re-signing effectively shuts down many rumors and brings an early end to a high-stakes game of musical chairs that’s been played within the F1 paddock for over a year now. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026

The New Mexico estate also functions as a working ranch, with a complete equestrian setup with 12 stalls, paddocks, a fenced arena, a hot walker, and a round pen. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026

The Lexington, Kentucky track is known for its gorgeous limestone fences, paddock oaks and a grandstand that looks out over the iconic Bluegrass landscape. — Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English parrok, from Old English pearroc, from Medieval Latin parricus

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for paddock

• haddock
• dyadic
• faradic
• monadic
• nomadic
• sporadic
• triadic

Kids Definition

paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpad-ək 

-ik

1

: an enclosed area where animals are put to eat grass or to exercise

2

: an enclosed area where racehorses are saddled and paraded before moving to the racetrack