shovelful

noun

shov·​el·​ful ˈshə-vəl-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce shovelful (audio)
plural shovelfuls ˈshə-vəl-ˌfu̇lz How to pronounce shovelful (audio) also shovelsful ˈshə-vəlz-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce shovelful (audio)
: as much as a shovel will hold

Examples of shovelful in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indeed, history may tell that the plant was already a relic even as the first shovelfuls of dirt were being turned. — David Wagman, IEEE Spectrum, 30 June 2017 The concussive sound of the first shovelful of dirt on the pine coffin, like the rending of the garment, shockingly tactile. — David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 Just fill up a wheelbarrow with compost and shovel 3 to 4 shovelfuls of compost into small piles dotted across your lawn. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025 Instead of throwing the traditional shovelful of dirt, attendees pried bricks from the ground for a photo op to mark the start of the second phase. — Arkansas Online, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shovelful

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shovelful was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

shovelfish
shovelful
shovel hat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shovelful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shovelful. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shovelful

noun
shov·​el·​ful ˈshəv-əl-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce shovelful (audio)
plural shovelfuls -ˌfu̇lz How to pronounce shovelful (audio) also shovelsful -əlz-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce shovelful (audio)
: as much as a shovel will hold
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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