shovelful: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral to informal; common in descriptive, practical, and some technical contexts (e.g., gardening, construction).
Quick answer
What does “shovelful” mean?
the amount that a shovel can hold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the amount that a shovel can hold.
A quantity or portion that is roughly equivalent to what can be held by a shovel; often used metaphorically for a large, unwieldy, or approximate amount of something loose or granular.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both; implies a practical, hands-on measurement.
Frequency
Similar, moderate frequency in both. Possibly slightly more common in American English in agricultural/construction contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shovelful” in a Sentence
[determiner] + shovelful + of + [uncountable noun (material)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement/quantity estimates for raw materials (e.g., 'ordered by the shovelful').
Academic
Limited. Possibly in archaeology, geology, or agriculture for describing sample quantities.
Everyday
Most common. Used in gardening, DIY, cleaning (e.g., ashes), and winter weather descriptions.
Technical
Used in construction, landscaping, and farming to indicate approximate volumes of bulk materials.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shovelful”
- Using 'shovelsful' as the plural (the standard plural is 'shovelfuls').
- Using it for precise measurements instead of rough approximations.
- Using with liquids (e.g., 'a shovelful of water' is atypical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard plural is 'shovelfuls'. While 'shovelsful' is occasionally seen, it is non-standard and not recommended.
It is acceptable in formal writing when describing practical processes (e.g., in technical reports, archaeology), but it is generally replaced by more precise measurements (e.g., 'cubic metres', 'kilograms') where exactitude is required.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to indicate a large, indiscriminate, or burdensome amount of something abstract, often negative (e.g., 'a shovelful of paperwork', 'a shovelful of blame').
A 'shovelful' generally comes from a shovel, which is broader and used for moving loose materials. A 'spadeful' (more common in UK English) specifically comes from a spade, which is typically straighter-edged and used for digging. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but the tool implied is different.
the amount that a shovel can hold.
Shovelful: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌvlfʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌvlfʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not every shovelful turns to gold. (rare, metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a shovel FULL of dirt – that's one SHOVELFUL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHOVELFUL IS A UNIT OF EFFORT / A SHOVELFUL IS A MESSY BURDEN.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for using 'shovelful'?