power shovel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical, Industrial, Informal
Quick answer
What does “power shovel” mean?
A heavy-duty construction machine with a large bucket, used for excavating and moving large quantities of earth, gravel, or other materials. It is powered by an engine and operated by hydraulic or cable controls.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy-duty construction machine with a large bucket, used for excavating and moving large quantities of earth, gravel, or other materials. It is powered by an engine and operated by hydraulic or cable controls.
While the primary meaning is the large excavator, the term can also be used more informally to refer to any motorized digging implement, from a large mechanical excavator to a more manageable powered digging tool for smaller jobs. In historical contexts, it can refer to early steam-powered or cable-operated excavating machines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the more common specific terms are 'excavator' or 'mechanical digger', especially for the tracked or wheeled machine with a cab and rotating platform. 'Power shovel' is understood but can sound somewhat dated or American. In American English, 'power shovel' is a standard, unambiguous term for the large excavating machine.
Connotations
In US usage, it is a neutral, descriptive term. In UK usage, it may sound slightly old-fashioned or like a direct translation from American sources, whereas 'excavator' is the modern default.
Frequency
High frequency in American technical/industrial contexts; lower frequency in UK English, where 'excavator' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “power shovel” in a Sentence
The [operator] used the [power shovel] to [verb: excavate, dig, clear, move] the [material: earth, debris, gravel].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power shovel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The contractor decided to power-shovel the foundation trench to save time. (rare, as a compound verb)
American English
- They'll need to power-shovel that entire hillside before we can start grading. (rare, as a compound verb)
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The power-shovel operator was highly skilled. (attributive use)
American English
- We watched the power-shovel demolition of the old silo. (attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In a construction firm's equipment inventory or rental catalogue.
Academic
In engineering or industrial archaeology papers discussing earth-moving machinery.
Everyday
A child pointing at a large yellow machine on a building site: 'Look at that big power shovel!'
Technical
Specifications for a 5-cubic-yard capacity power shovel with a 360-degree swing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power shovel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power shovel”
- Using 'power shovel' to refer to a small electric garden tool (better: 'electric shovel' or 'trenching tool'). Confusing it with a 'bulldozer' (which pushes) or a 'backhoe' (which digs towards itself).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A traditional power shovel digs forward and upward, often on tracks with a rotating cab. A backhoe (or backhoe loader) typically digs towards itself and is often attached to the back of a tractor unit.
In its primary and technical sense, no—it refers to large construction equipment. Informally, someone might use it for a powered digging tool, but 'electric shovel' or 'trencher' would be more precise for smaller devices.
The development of steam-powered shovels in the 19th century revolutionized large-scale construction, mining, and canal/dam building, enabling projects like the Panama Canal to be completed more efficiently.
It is a historical subset. All early steam shovels were power shovels, but modern power shovels are powered by diesel engines or electricity. 'Steam shovel' is now a dated term.
A heavy-duty construction machine with a large bucket, used for excavating and moving large quantities of earth, gravel, or other materials. It is powered by an engine and operated by hydraulic or cable controls.
Power shovel is usually technical, industrial, informal in register.
Power shovel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊə ˌʃʌvl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊər ˌʃʌvəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly from 'power shovel'. Potential construction metaphor: 'He attacked the problem like a power shovel' - meaning with brute force and little subtlety.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a superhero SHOVEL with the POWER to lift a whole swimming pool of dirt in one scoop.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE BODY (on a massive, industrial scale). POWER IS CAPACITY FOR LARGE-SCALE TRANSFORMATION.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, what is the most common modern term for a 'power shovel'?