Is 'dustpan' one word or two?

It is a single, compound word: 'dustpan'.

Can 'dustpan' be used as a verb?

No, 'dustpan' is a noun. The related action is 'to sweep (up)'.

What's the difference between a 'dustpan' and a 'dustbin'?

A dustpan is a small, handheld scoop for collecting swept debris. A dustbin (or trash can) is a large container for general rubbish.

Are there different types of dustpans?

Yes, common types include handheld dustpans (often sold with a brush), long-handled dustpans (so you don't have to bend down), and those with rubber lips for better pickup.

dustpan

UK/ˈdʌstpæn/US/ˈdʌstpæn/

Neutral, slightly informal

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A flat container with a handle, used together with a brush to sweep up dust, dirt, and debris from floors.

An object used for cleaning waste from surfaces; metaphorically, a device or situation that collects or contains unwanted material.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Typically paired with a brush or broom. The term is a compound noun (dust + pan). It is a count noun (e.g., 'two dustpans').

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences; the object is identical. Minor potential spelling differences in related verbs (e.g., 'sweep up' vs. 'sweep up').

Connotations

The same neutral, practical connotation in both varieties.

Frequency

Equal frequency; a common household item term.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

sweep into the dustpanbrush and dustpanhandheld dustpanempty the dustpan

medium

plastic dustpanmetal dustpankitchen dustpanlong-handled dustpan

weak

find the dustpanbuy a dustpanclean the dustpancheap dustpan

Grammar

Valency Patterns

sweep X into the dustpanuse a dustpan to collect Yempty the dustpan into the bin

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

dust scoop

Neutral

panscoop

Weak

collectorreceptacle

Vocabulary

Antonyms

source of messscatterer

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[No common idioms specific to 'dustpan']”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare; might appear in janitorial supply catalogues or cleaning service descriptions.

Academic

Extremely rare outside of specific design or material studies.

Everyday

Very common in domestic and cleaning contexts.

Technical

Used in cleaning equipment specifications or industrial hygiene.

Examples

By CEFR Level

Please get the dustpan and brush.
The dustpan is in the cupboard.

After sweeping the broken glass, she carefully emptied the dustpan into the bin.
Could you hold the dustpan while I sweep the crumbs into it?

The new angled dustpan makes it much easier to sweep up debris from corners.
He realised the metaphor of his life as a dustpan, constantly collecting other people's problems.

The ergonomically designed dustpan, with its rubberised lip, creates a perfect seal against the floor for efficient pickup.
In her minimalist design philosophy, even the humble dustpan was an object of considered form and function.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a PAN for catching DUST. Just as a frying pan holds food, a dustpan holds swept-up dirt.

Conceptual Metaphor

A CONTAINER FOR UNWANTED MATERIAL; A TOOL FOR ORDER (cleaning up a mess).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid calquing as 'пылевая кастрюля' or 'пылевая сковорода'. The correct equivalent is 'совок для мусора'.

Common Mistakes

Using 'dustbin' (a large outdoor bin) instead of 'dustpan' (the small handheld scoop).
Omitting the article: 'Use dustpan' instead of 'Use a/the dustpan'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After sweeping the floor, she emptied the contents of the into the rubbish bin.

Multiple Choice

What is a dustpan primarily used with?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is a single, compound word: 'dustpan'.
: No, 'dustpan' is a noun. The related action is 'to sweep (up)'.
: A dustpan is a small, handheld scoop for collecting swept debris. A dustbin (or trash can) is a large container for general rubbish.
: Yes, common types include handheld dustpans (often sold with a brush), long-handled dustpans (so you don't have to bend down), and those with rubber lips for better pickup.