paddock
PAD-uhk
/ˈpæd.ək/
A small enclosed field where horses are kept for grazing or turned out for exercise; or an assembly enclosure at a racecourse.
Refers to a fenced outdoor area smaller than a pasture, often adjacent to a barn or racetrack.
The story behind the word. An alteration of Middle English 'parrock' (from Old English 'pearroc', meaning an enclosure). Over centuries, regional dialect sound shifts turned the 'r' sound into 'd', creating 'paddock'.
Word relationships
- pen: 'Pen' is generally smaller and built for livestock like pigs or sheep, whereas a 'paddock' is designed for horses.
- pasture: 'Pasture' is typically a large grazing field, whereas a 'paddock' is a smaller enclosed paddock area near stables.
Commonly confused with
- paddlock: 'Padlock' (spelled with 'l') is a portable lock, whereas 'paddock' is an enclosed field.
Collocations
- grassy paddock
- paddock gate
- turn out in the paddock
- parade in the paddock
Example sentences
- "Spectators gathered around the paddock to inspect the racehorses before the first post time." Racetrack Coverage
- "The horses spent the pleasant warm afternoon grazing peacefully in the grassy paddock." Farm Life
Memory hook
PAD around comfortably in the small grassy PADDOCK. ENCLOSED HORSE FIELD = PADDOCK
When not to use
Do not use to describe massive open prairies or vast unfenced rangeland.
Fun facts
- In Formula 1 racing, the term 'paddock' was adopted from horse racing to describe the backstage area where team trailers and cars are prepared.
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