shovel

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a tool with a long handle and a broad blade with curved edges, used for moving earth, snow, sand, etc: workmen with picks and shovels compareSPADE 2 the part of a large machine or vehicle that digs or moves earth verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [VN] to lift and move earth, stones, coal, etc. with a shovel: A gang of workmen were shovelling rubble onto a truck. * They went out in freezing conditions to shovel snow. * (AmE) to shovel the sidewalk / driveway (= to remove snow) * (figurative) He sat at the table, shovelling food into his mouth.