: a sport played by two pairs of players using short-handled paddles and a ball similar to a tennis ball on a court divided by a net and enclosed by walls made of tempered glass and metal caging against which players may hit the ball
Padel started in Mexico about 50 years ago and is typically played in doubles. The major difference is that the courts—smaller than tennis—are surrounded by mesh or glass walls that players use to bounce balls off of …—
Nadia Lopez
Nadia LopezI soon learn that padel is a combination of tennis and squash, but easier because it's played on a smaller court and serving is underhand, and it tends to be a slower speed game than tennis. The racket is similar to the one used for pickleball, and the scoring is identical to tennis …—Emily Zemler
Emily ZemlerExamples of padel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
More than just connecting with other padel lovers, guests who book their trips through the Privé Passport platform will receive special perks during their stay.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
But, at Tom Holland's padel tournament on April 29, that's exactly the case.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
As the estate evolves—with a dedicated wellness space and tennis and padel court in the pipeline—access will gently broaden, with plans for ticketed events, visiting-chef suppers, and cultural gatherings that draw on Queensland’s creative community.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
In addition to its new dive into padel, Heineken has long been involved in high-level sports.
—Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Manicured hedges and stone retaining walls soften the geometry outside, where a pool, spa, padel court, and outdoor cinema capitalize on the tranquil vantages and extend daily life into the landscape.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2026
Industry analysts estimate the global padel market is already worth $2 billion and growing at a double-digit annual rate, according to a report by Deloitte.
—Jessica Golden,brandon Gomez, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
After enlisting tennis and padel champions to its roster of ambassadors last year and opening a padel arena in Milan, the luxury sneakers brand announced Monday the appointment of tennis aces Gabriel Diallo and Dayana Yastremska as global brand ambassadors for 2026.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 Mar. 2026
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Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
But, at Tom Holland's padel tournament on April 29, that's exactly the case.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
As the estate evolves—with a dedicated wellness space and tennis and padel court in the pipeline—access will gently broaden, with plans for ticketed events, visiting-chef suppers, and cultural gatherings that draw on Queensland’s creative community.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
In addition to its new dive into padel, Heineken has long been involved in high-level sports.
—Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Manicured hedges and stone retaining walls soften the geometry outside, where a pool, spa, padel court, and outdoor cinema capitalize on the tranquil vantages and extend daily life into the landscape.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2026
Industry analysts estimate the global padel market is already worth $2 billion and growing at a double-digit annual rate, according to a report by Deloitte.
—Jessica Golden,brandon Gomez, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
After enlisting tennis and padel champions to its roster of ambassadors last year and opening a padel arena in Milan, the luxury sneakers brand announced Monday the appointment of tennis aces Gabriel Diallo and Dayana Yastremska as global brand ambassadors for 2026.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Padel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padel. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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