paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpa-dək 

-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

The hope for all in the paddock will be for constructive efforts to ensure any similar events are prevented in the future. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

The former paddock is marked by a circle and cross at the former Arlington International Racecourse on May 23, 2025, in Arlington Heights. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

The Bolide’s brakes are the talk of the paddock, and for good reason. — Sean Evans, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

The committee moved the paddock closer to spectators and added a vendor village, children’s zone, pony rides and petting zoo. — Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for paddock

• haddock
• dyadic
• faradic
• monadic
• nomadic
• sporadic
• triadic

Kids Definition

paddock

noun

pad·​dock ˈpad-ək 

-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