a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle

the quantity a shovel can hold

[ Syn: shovelful , spadeful ]

a fire iron consisting of a small shovel used to scoop coals or ashes in a fireplace

a machine for excavating

[ Syn: power shovel , excavator , digger ]

dig with or as if with a shovel; shovel sand; he shovelled in the backyard all afternoon long'