Paddle

A paddle is a handheld tool with an elongated handle and a flat, widened end (the blade) used as a lever to apply force onto the bladed end. It most commonly describes a completely handheld tool used to propel a human-powered watercraft by pushing water in a direction opposite to the direction of travel (i.e. paddling). A paddle is different from an oar (which can be similar in shape and perform the same function via rowing) – an oar is attached to the watercraft via a fulcrum.

The term "paddle" can also be used to describe objects of similar shapes or functions:

• A rotating set of paddle boards known as a paddle wheel is used to propel a steamboat or paddle steamer.
• In a number of racquet sports (e.g. ping-pong and paddle ball), a "paddle" or "bat" is a short, solid racket used to strike a ball.
• A mixing paddle is a device used to stir or mix separate ingredients within a mixture.
• A spanking paddle is used in corporal punishment, typically to forcefully hit someone (e.g. a juvenile) on the buttocks.