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Spadeful: meaning, definitions and examples

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spadeful

 

[ ˈspeɪd.fəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

measure or quantity

A spadeful is a unit of measurement referring to the amount that can be scooped up by a spade. It is often used in gardening or construction contexts to measure soil, sand, or similar materials. Although informal, this measurement is especially useful when discussing volumes needed for tasks like planting or landscaping. The actual volume of a spadeful can vary depending on the size of the spade and the material involved.

Synonyms

load, scoop, shovelful

Examples of usage

  • I need a spadeful of soil for the new flower bed.
  • He filled the wheelbarrow with three spadefuls of gravel.
  • Add a spadeful of compost to the mixture.

Translations

Translations of the word "spadeful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pá de terra

🇮🇳 कुदाल भर

🇩🇪 Schaufel voll

🇮🇩 sekop penuh

🇺🇦 лопата землі

🇵🇱 łopata pełna

🇯🇵 スコップ一杯

🇫🇷 pelle pleine

🇪🇸 pala llena

🇹🇷 kürek dolusu

🇰🇷 삽 한 삽

🇸🇦 مقدار مجرفة كاملة

🇨🇿 lopata plná

🇸🇰 lopata plná

🇨🇳 铲子满

🇸🇮 lopata polna

🇮🇸 skófla full

🇰🇿 құралмен толтыру

🇬🇪 თხრა სავსე

🇦🇿 çəkmə dolu

🇲🇽 pala llena

Etymology

The term 'spadeful' is derived from the word 'spade,' which has its origins in the Old English word 'spadu,' meaning a digging tool. The suffix '-ful' indicates a quantity or amount that fills a container. The combination of these two elements suggests a measure corresponding to what can be held or moved with a spade. Historically, spades have been essential tools in agriculture and gardening, and the need for precise language to describe quantities of soil or other materials led to the creation of terms like 'spadeful.' The usage of this word has been consistent in English literature since at least the 19th century, reflecting the importance of gardening and land cultivation in English-speaking cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,663, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.