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.
Stillwater River Boats offers seasonal tours of the St. Croix on an old-fashioned paddleboat, including sightseeing and jazz brunch cruises. Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Paddleboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddleboat. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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