First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shovel
noun shov·el \ˈshə-vəl\
: a tool with a long handle that is used for lifting and throwing dirt, sand, snow, etc.
: the part of a machine (such as a backhoe) that picks up and moves dirt, sand, snow, etc.
Full Definition of SHOVEL
1
a : a hand implement consisting of a broad scoop or a more or less hollowed out blade with a handle used to lift and throw material b : something that resembles a shovel c : an excavating machine; especially : a hydraulic diesel-engine driven power shovel
2
See shovel defined for English-language learners
See shovel defined for kids
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Origin of SHOVEL
Middle English, from Old English scofl; akin to Old High German scūfla shovel, Old English scūfan to thrust away
Rhymes with SHOVEL
2shovel
verb
: to lift and throw (dirt, sand, snow, etc.) with a shovel
: to remove snow from (a sidewalk, driveway, etc.) with a shovel
: to create (a path) by removing snow with a shovel
shoveled or shovelledshovel·ing or shovel·ling \ˈshə-və-liŋ, ˈshəv-liŋ\
Full Definition of SHOVEL
transitive verb
1
: to take up and throw with a shovel
2
: to dig or clean out with a shovel
3
: to throw or convey roughly or in a mass as if with a shovel <shoveled his food into his mouth>
intransitive verb
: to use a shovel
See shovel defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHOVEL
15th century
SHOVEL Defined for Kids
1shovel
noun shov·el \ˈshə-vəl\
Definition of SHOVEL for Kids
1
: a tool with a long handle and broad scoop used to lift and throw loose material (as dirt or snow)
2
: as much as a shovel will hold <a shovel of sand>
2shovel
verb
shov·eled or shov·elledshov·el·ing or shov·el·ling
Definition of SHOVEL for Kids
1
: to lift or throw with a shovel <shovel snow>
2
: to dig or clean out with a shovel <I shoveled out the sheep pens.>
3
: to move large amounts of into something quickly <He shoveled food into his mouth.>
Learn More About SHOVEL
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