matlock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency / SpecializedTechnical / Historical / Rural
Quick answer
What does “matlock” mean?
A type of pickaxe or heavy hand tool with a long handle and a head that is pointed on one side and flat-bladed (adze) on the other, used for digging and chopping roots.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of pickaxe or heavy hand tool with a long handle and a head that is pointed on one side and flat-bladed (adze) on the other, used for digging and chopping roots.
It refers specifically to the tool itself. Can be used metonymically in historical or rural contexts to represent manual labor, traditional farming, or archaeology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Matlock" is a very rare variant spelling of the standard term "mattock." In both regions, "mattock" is the overwhelmingly standard spelling. There is no significant difference in usage beyond this spelling preference.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word primarily connotes manual, often agricultural or archaeological, labor. It may evoke imagery of historical farming, gardening, or excavation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. The standard form "mattock" is itself a low-frequency, specialized term. "Matlock" is an archaic or occasional misspelling.
Grammar
How to Use “matlock” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wield/swing/use + a matlock[Subject] + dig/chop/break + [object] + with a matlockVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matlock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gardener decided to matlock through the tough clay subsoil.
- They had to matlock the old tree roots out of the ground.
American English
- We'll need to matlock this compacted earth before planting.
- He matlocked a trench for the new irrigation line.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial use]
American English
- [No adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- [Virtually no adjectival use for this rare spelling]
American English
- [Virtually no adjectival use for this rare spelling]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in historical texts, archaeology papers, or agricultural history. The standard spelling 'mattock' is used.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Most speakers would use 'pickaxe' or not know the term.
Technical
Used in archaeology, horticulture, and traditional tool catalogs to describe a specific digging/chopping tool. Standard spelling is 'mattock'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matlock”
- Misspelling as 'matlock' instead of the standard 'mattock'.
- Confusing it with a standard pickaxe (which has two pointed ends) or a hoe (which has a broad, flat blade).
- Using it in general contexts where 'tool', 'pick', or 'shovel' would be more widely understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the standard and correct spelling is 'mattock'. 'Matlock' is a very rare variant or common misspelling.
It is used for digging, chopping roots, breaking up hard soil, and general ground clearance, often in gardening, farming, or archaeology.
A pickaxe typically has two pointed ends. A matlock/mattock has a pointed end on one side and a flat, adze-like blade on the other for cutting and chopping.
No, even the standard term 'mattock' is low-frequency and specialized. The spelling 'matlock' is exceptionally rare.
A type of pickaxe or heavy hand tool with a long handle and a head that is pointed on one side and flat-bladed (adze) on the other, used for digging and chopping roots.
Matlock is usually technical / historical / rural in register.
Matlock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmætlək/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with this rare spelling]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOCK of soil being broken by a MAT (as in mat of roots) - a MAT-LOCK breaks up matted roots and soil.
Conceptual Metaphor
MANUAL LABOR IS A STRUGGLE WITH THE EARTH (the matlock is the instrument of that struggle).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a matlock/mattock compared to a standard pickaxe?