shovel
UK: ˈʃʌv(ə)l | US: ˈʃʌv(ə)l
n. a tool with a broad blade and a handle, used for lifting and moving loose material such as soil, snow, or coal
vt. to lift or move (material) with a shovel
The word "shovel" traces back to Old English scofl, derived from Proto-Germanic skublo (related to pushing or scraping). The root shov- reflects the action of pushing material, while -el is a diminutive or tool-forming suffix, common in Old English (e.g., "handle"). The word’s evolution highlights its functional design—a tool for scraping and moving loose substances.
He dug a hole with a rusty shovel.
Workers shoveled snow from the driveway after the storm.
The child carried sand in a small plastic shovel.
Archaeologists use shovels to carefully uncover artifacts.
She shoveled coal into the furnace to keep the house warm.