shovel shovel /ˈʃʌvəl/

noun

1. () A hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle  ( shovel )
   a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle
    The worker is using a shovel to dig a trench for the foundation of the building
   The worker is using a shovel to dig a trench for the foundation of the building
   
   
2. A machine for excavating  ( digger , excavator , power shovel , shovel )
   a machine for excavating
   
   
3. A fire iron consisting of a small shovel used to scoop coals or ashes in a fireplace  ( shovel )
   a fire iron consisting of a small shovel used to scoop coals or ashes in a fireplace
   
4. The quantity a shovel can hold  ( shovel , shovelful , spadeful )
   the quantity a shovel can hold
   

verb

1. () Dig with or as if with a shovel  ( shovel )
   dig with or as if with a shovel
    Shovel sand
   shovel sand
    He shovelled in the backyard all afternoon long
   he shovelled in the backyard all afternoon long