Editing Paddle (section)

{{Short description|Tool for paddling boats or mixing ingredients}}
{{Other uses}}
{{refimprove article|date=November 2016}}
[[File:Raft paddle.png|thumb|alt=Raft paddle|A rafting 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 sport]]s (e.g. [[ping-pong]] and [[paddle ball (sport)|paddle ball]]), a "paddle" or "bat" is a short, solid [[racket (sports equipment)|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 [[spanking|forcefully hit]] someone (e.g. a [[minor (law)|juvenile]]) on the buttocks.