paddy

/ˈpædi/

/ˈpæti/

Other forms: paddies

A paddy is a field used for growing rice. Paddies are different from most other crop fields because they are partially flooded with water. If you plan on farming a rice paddy, you'll probably want to invest in a good pair of waterproof boots.

There are a few kinds of rice that can grow in dry soil, but most need the soggy soil that a paddy provides. Most rice paddies are located in various parts of Asia, although they can also be found in Spain, Haiti, and the state of California. Another meaning of this word is "unmilled rice." The Malay root of paddy is padi, "rice in the straw."

Definitions of paddy

1. noun

   an irrigated or flooded field where rice is grown
   synonyms: paddy field, rice paddy

   type of:

   field

   a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
2. noun

   rice in the husk either gathered or still in the field
   type of:

   rice

   grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished