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Definition of paddlewheel
paddlewheel
/ˈpæd.əlˌwiːl/
pad · dle · wheel
Plural:paddlewheels
paddlewheel Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
paddlewheel Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A large revolving wheel fitted with broad blades or paddles around its rim, driven by an engine to propel a boat or ship through water.
Example
"The historic riverboat was propelled down the Mississippi River by a massive wooden paddlewheel."
2
A wheel fitted with paddles that is turned by the force of flowing water to generate mechanical power.
Example
"The old grist mill still relies on a heavy iron paddlewheel turned by the local stream to grind grain."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for paddlewheel• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed as a compound of 'paddle' and 'wheel' in the early 19th century, specifically referring to the large propulsion wheels developed for early steamships.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paddlewheel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paddlewheel