Paddleboat: meaning, definitions and examples

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paddleboat

 

[ˈpæd.əl.boʊt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

on water

A paddleboat is a small boat that is moved along by the turning of a paddle wheel or paddles at the back.

Synonyms

paddle steamer, paddlewheeler.

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Word Description / Examples
paddleboat

Used to describe small recreational boats often rented for leisure activities on lakes or calm rivers, usually powered by foot pedals.

  • We rented a paddleboat to enjoy an afternoon on the lake
paddle steamer

Refers to larger, historic boats usually powered by steam engines and equipped with large paddle wheels, often used for river travel and sometimes still seen in tourist areas for river cruises.

  • We took a scenic tour down the Mississippi River on a paddle steamer
paddlewheeler

Used to describe boats with large paddle wheels that typically provide propulsion, generally used in the context of historic or retro-style boats on rivers.

  • The old paddlewheeler gave us a nostalgic glimpse of 19th-century river travel

Examples of usage

  • We rented a paddleboat to explore the lake.
  • The children enjoyed riding the paddleboat around the pond.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'paddle' comes from the Old French 'padel' meaning 'to paddle or row'.
  • Dating back to the 19th century, 'boat' is from the Old English 'bat', meaning small vessel.
  • The combination of 'paddle' and 'boat' gives us a clear image of how it operates, unlike traditional rowing boats.

Historical Significance

  • Paddleboats grew in popularity during the late 1800s as leisure activities along rivers and lakes increased.
  • They were often used in amusement parks for family fun, allowing people to paddle together on calm waters.
  • Notably, paddle boats were also used for transportation and cargo on rivers in the United States.

Engineering

  • The design includes large wheels with paddles that move water for propulsion, keeping the structure stable.
  • This boat type often uses a simple gear system to convert pedaling motion into movement.
  • Paddleboats are generally more eco-friendly compared to motorized boats, making them a great outdoor option.

Pop Culture

  • These boats appear in several children’s cartoons and movies, promoting the idea of summer fun on the water.
  • They're commonly used in recreational areas and often featured in family outings and themed events.
  • Paddleboat races can be found in festivals, highlighting community engagement and outdoor activities.

Environmental Impact

  • Paddleboats create minimal disturbance to aquatic ecosystems compared to motorized boats.
  • They encourage people to connect with nature and explore serene waterways, promoting a love for the environment.
  • Using human power instead of fuel helps reduce pollution and is a healthier choice for recreational activity.

Translations

Translations of the word "paddleboat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barco a remo

🇮🇳 चप्पू नाव

🇩🇪 Tretboot

🇮🇩 perahu dayung

🇺🇦 весельний човен

🇵🇱 łódź wiosłowa

🇯🇵 パドルボート

🇫🇷 bateau à rames

🇪🇸 bote de remos

🇹🇷 kürek teknesi

🇰🇷 노 젓는 배

🇸🇦 قارب التجديف

🇨🇿 veslice

🇸🇰 veslica

🇨🇳 桨船

🇸🇮 veslaški čoln

🇮🇸 árabátur

🇰🇿 есек қайық

🇬🇪 ნიჩბიანი ნავი

🇦🇿 qayıq

🇲🇽 bote de remos