paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpa-dək How to pronounce paddock (audio)
-dik
1
a
: a usually enclosed area used especially for pasturing or exercising animals
led the sheep into the paddock
especially : an enclosure where racehorses are saddled and paraded before a race
b
Australia and New Zealand : an often enclosed field
2
: an area at an automobile racecourse where racing cars are parked

Examples of paddock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What that meant for the pecking order, though, was unclear due to the development battle unfolding within the paddock. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 28 July 2026 While the world's fastest prototypes and GT cars compete across 181 miles of Texas asphalt for six hours, something equally remarkable unfolds beyond the paddock. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Known for bringing luxury fashion into the Formula 1 paddock, Hamilton has built a reputation beyond racing through partnerships including his role as a Dior ambassador and guest designer. — Nethumi Kannangara, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026 Farther afield are a stabling block, paddocks, a boating lake, and unspoiled woodland. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paddock

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English parrok, from Old English pearroc, from Medieval Latin parricus

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of paddock was in 1547

Rhymes for paddock

See All Rhymes for paddock

Browse Nearby Words

paddling pool
paddock
paddockride
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paddock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paddock. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paddock

noun
pad·​dock ˈpad-ək How to pronounce paddock (audio)
-ik
1
: an enclosed area where animals are put to eat grass or to exercise
2
: an enclosed area where racehorses are saddled and paraded before moving to the racetrack

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Nglish: Translation of paddock for Spanish Speakers

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