| Noun | 1. | paddlewheel - a large wheel fitted with paddles and driven by an engine in order to propel a boatpaddle - a blade of a paddle wheel or water wheel paddle box, paddle-box - a wooden covering for the upper part of a paddlewheel wheel - a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines) |