easy
Dad used a shovel to clear snow from the steps.
What does Shovel mean?
a tool for digging or moving snow, dirt, or sand.
Dictionary definition
A tool with a broad scoop used for lifting or moving soil, snow, or other loose material; also to move material with this tool.
Example sentences
Shovel in a sentence
medium
The students filled the garden bed with soil using a shovel.
hard
The instructions warned workers to shovel the sand evenly across the path.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice shovel in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Shovel
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does shovel mean?
A shovel is a tool used to dig or move loose material.
Practice 2
Which phrase is closest in meaning to shovel?
A shovel is a digging tool.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses shovel correctly?
The correct sentence uses shovel in context.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Shovel
Voice settings
Sounds like
shuv · ul · strongest beat: shuv
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordShovel.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningShovel means a tool for digging or moving snow, dirt, or sand.
ExampleExample: Dad used a shovel to clear snow from the steps.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- shuv · ul
- Strongest beat
- shuv
- Ending
- ul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on shuv.
Your turn
Say Shovel
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced shovel.
Synonyms
Words like Shovel
scoopUse for a tool or action that lifts loose material.
digging toolUse for a simple explanation of shovel.
spadeUse for a similar digging tool.
Antonyms
Opposite words
rakeUse as a contrast because a rake pulls material instead of scooping it.
empty handsUse when no tool is used.
Synonym practice
Want to practice shovel synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The shovel helped us move the sand," then compare close word choices. Practice shovel synonyms.
Word family
Shovel word family
Base word
shovel
noun
shovels
More than one shovel, or moves with a shovel.
verb
shoveled
Moved with a shovel in the past.
verb
shoveling
Moving material with a shovel now.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Shovel
Hint for students
a tool for digging or moving snow, dirt, or sand.
Common mix-up
Shovel is not the same as rake. Shovel means a tool for digging or moving snow, dirt, or sand.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The students filled the garden bed with soil using a shovel. Clue words: students, filled, garden. Underline clue words that show why shovel fits instead of rake. Now write one new sentence that shows shovel without using the word shovel. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show shovel?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The students filled the garden bed with soil using a shovel." Why does shovel fit better than rake?
Learning activities
Practice Shovel and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice SHOVEL” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice SHOVEL
Sentence Builder
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Vocabulary Match
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Context Clue Challenge
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