Meaning of the word "dog paddle" in English

What does "dog paddle" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

dog paddle

US /ˈdɑːɡ ˌpæd.əl/
UK /dɒɡ ˈpæd.l̩/
"dog paddle" picture

Noun

a simple swimming stroke in which the swimmer makes short, quick movements with the hands and feet, resembling a dog's swimming action

Example:
•
The child learned to dog paddle before mastering other strokes.
•
He could only dog paddle across the shallow end of the pool.

Verb

to swim using the dog paddle stroke

Example:
•
Even though he was a beginner, he managed to dog paddle to the edge of the pool.
•
My little brother can only dog paddle, but he loves being in the water.