shovelful

American  

[shuhv-uhl-fool] / ˈʃʌv əlˌfʊl /

noun

plural

shovelfuls

1. the amount held by a shovel.

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Spelling

See -ful.

Etymology

Origin of shovelful

First recorded in 1525–35; shovel + -ful

Example Sentences

In almost all cases, it came down to inadequate thought and planning before the first shovelful of dirt was turned.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2023

President John Quincy Adams lifted the first shovelful of dirt in 1828 for what investors envisioned as a liquid highway transporting goods between Washington and the Ohio River.

From Washington Post • Oct. 16, 2021

Silliest thing in the world is standing there throwing a shovelful of dirt at a 80-foot flame, feel like a complete idiot, but enough shovelfuls, you'll put it out.

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2021

After the pine box was lowered into the grave, Jacob dropped a shovelful of soil onto it, another tradition.

From Washington Times • Apr. 5, 2020

The daylight air disappears, and there’s the sound of dirt hitting the boards, shovelful after shovelful.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood