spatula: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; common in everyday and technical (culinary/medical) contexts.
Quick answer
What does “spatula” mean?
A kitchen utensil with a broad, flat, typically flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, mixing, or scraping food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A kitchen utensil with a broad, flat, typically flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, mixing, or scraping food.
Any similar tool with a broad, flat blade used for applying or smoothing substances (e.g., in painting, pharmacy, or medicine).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'fish slice' is a common synonym for a rigid, slotted spatula used for turning food. In the US, 'spatula' is the universal term, subdivided into 'turner' (rigid) and 'rubber scraper' (flexible).
Connotations
Neutral in both. The US term is more generic.
Frequency
The word is common in both varieties, but 'fish slice' is distinctly British and declining in use.
Grammar
How to Use “spatula” in a Sentence
[Subject] + use + [spatula] + to + VERB (e.g., scrape, flip)[Subject] + scrape + [Direct Object] + with + a spatulaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spatula” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He carefully spatulaed the frosting onto the cake.
American English
- She spatulaed the eggs onto the plate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in retail or manufacturing contexts for kitchenware.
Academic
Rare, except in specific fields like culinary arts, materials science, or historical studies of tools.
Everyday
Very common in cooking instructions and domestic settings.
Technical
Common in culinary terminology, chemistry (for handling samples), and dentistry (for mixing compounds).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spatula”
- Pronouncing it as /spəˈtuːlə/ (spa-TOO-la).
- Using 'spoon' when a thin, flat tool is required for flipping.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In precise US culinary terms, a 'turner' is a type of spatula with a rigid, slotted or solid blade designed for flipping. 'Spatula' is the broader category.
Yes, spatulas with specific designs are used in laboratories, pharmacies, and artist studios for measuring, mixing, or applying substances.
Its use is declining, especially among younger speakers who are more influenced by American English media. 'Spatula' is widely understood and used.
An offset spatula has a bent or angled blade. This design keeps your hand away from the hot surface (e.g., a grill) or provides clearance when smoothing frosting on a cake.
A kitchen utensil with a broad, flat, typically flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, mixing, or scraping food.
Spatula is usually neutral to informal; common in everyday and technical (culinary/medical) contexts. in register.
Spatula: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspætʃ.ə.lə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspætʃ.ə.lə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SPAniel using a spatula to TULA (tula sounds like 'tool-a') the cake batter from a bowl.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HAND EXTENSION (for lifting, spreading, or smoothing).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a primary function of a spatula?