Shovel: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.