Shovel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shovel

[ˈʃʌvəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

gardening

A tool with a handle and a broad, scoop-shaped blade for digging and moving material such as soil, snow, or coal.

Synonyms

digging tool, spade, trowel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shovel	A shovel is typically used for digging and moving bulk materials like soil, gravel, or snow. It has a broad, flat blade and a long handle. He used a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway. She grabbed a shovel to dig a hole for the new tree.
spade	A spade is similar to a shovel but typically has a flat, rectangular blade. It's often used for digging and cutting through tough soil. The gardener used a spade to edge the flower beds. A spade is handy for digging through dense soil.
trowel	A trowel is a small hand tool with a pointed, scoop-shaped blade. It's used for tasks like planting flowers and small-scale digging in gardening. She used a trowel to plant the seedlings. A trowel is perfect for digging small holes in the garden.
digging tool	This is a general term that can refer to any implement used for digging. It’s less specific and can describe a variety of tools. He grabbed a digging tool from the shed to start planting. Various digging tools are available for gardening tasks.

Examples of usage

The gardener used a shovel to plant the flowers.
She used a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

informal

To move material such as soil, snow, or coal with a shovel.

Synonyms

dig, remove, scoop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shovel	Use this term when you want to refer to the act of moving or transferring materials using a tool, or the tool itself. He grabbed the shovel to clear the snow from the driveway. You can use a shovel to plant flowers in the garden.
dig	This word is best used when talking about making a hole in the ground or uncovering something by removing earth. It can also be used metaphorically. We need to dig a hole to plant the tree. She loves to dig for information about her ancestors.
scoop	This term is appropriate when referring to lifting or moving something in quantities, often using a spoon or similar tool. It can also be used metaphorically. You can use a small shovel to scoop out the soil. He scooped some ice cream into a bowl for dessert.
remove	Use 'remove' when you need to indicate taking something away from a place, position, or state. It has a broader application than just moving earth or materials. Please remove your shoes before entering the house. They had to remove the fallen tree from the road.

Examples of usage

I had to shovel the snow from the sidewalk.
He shoveled the dirt into the wheelbarrow.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'shovel'

The word 'shovel' originated from Middle English 'shovel', which came from Old English 'scofl'. The tool has been used for centuries in various forms, evolving from simple digging sticks to the modern shovel we know today. Shovels have been essential tools for agriculture, construction, and various other tasks throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,804, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11801 irresponsible
11802 accuse
11803 pact
11804 shovel
11805 momentarily
11806 omitting
11807 millennium
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