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Definition of paddlewheeler

paddlewheeler

/ˈpæd.əlˌwiː.lɚ/
pad · dle · wheel · er
Plural:paddlewheelers
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paddlewheeler Lexical Profile

paddlewheeler Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A steam-powered vessel propelled by one or more large, paddle-equipped wheels, historically common on inland waterways and rivers such as the Mississippi.

Example

"Tourists gathered at the riverbank to book a scenic evening cruise on the restored paddlewheeler."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paddlewheeler

• Nearby Words

pad thai
paddlefish
paddlewheel
paddlewheeler
pademelon
padlock
padma

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in mid-19th century American English from 'paddle' + 'wheel' + '-er', referring to the primary means of propulsion for these riverboats.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paddlewheeler. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paddlewheeler
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