paddleboat

noun

pad·​dle·​boat ˈpa-dᵊl-ˌbōt How to pronounce paddleboat (audio)
Synonyms of paddleboatnext
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 trips.—Richard 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.
Only paddleboats will be available opening weekend, a park district news release said. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026 Nelson plays the song on a paddleboat as Peacemaker and Harcourt have a moment. — Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 24 Dec. 2025 In the summer, the river is crowded with paddleboats, kayaks and other personal watercraft as people row up to watch. — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2025 The fee covers swan paddleboat rentals, nightly movies and s'mores on the beach, fitness classes, and in-room Wi-Fi, among other inclusions. — Jacqueline Dole, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 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

Rhymes for paddleboat

See All Rhymes for paddleboat

Browse Nearby Words

paddleboard
paddleboat
paddle box
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paddleboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddleboat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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