spatula

[ spach-uh-luh ]

/ ˈspætʃ ə lə /

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noun

an implement with a broad, flat, usually flexible blade, used for blending foods or removing them from cooking utensils, mixing drugs, spreading plasters and paints, etc.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of spatula

1515–25; <Latin: a flat piece, batten, equivalent to spath(a) spathe + -ula-ule

OTHER WORDS FROM spatula

spat·u·lar, adjective

Words nearby spatula

Spätlese, spatter, spatter cone, spatterdash, spatterdock, spatula, spatulate, spätzle, spaulder, spavin, spavined

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spatula in a sentence

When the oil is hot, add the plant-based beef, and break up with a large spoon or spatula.
How to Cook with Plant-Based Beef|Christine Byrne|January 16, 2021|Outside Online
Using a flexible spatula, gently fold the filling one last time and pour it into the prepared pan.
Yes, you can use your Instant Pot to make the creamiest of cheesecakes and other desserts|Jessie Sheehan|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
Allow the steam from the onions to cook the meat until nearly well done, using the end of a metal spatula to spread the piles out wider, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Give in to pandemic cravings, starting with a homemade cheesesteak sandwich|David Hagedorn|December 10, 2020|Washington Post
Give it a few turns with a flexible spatula to make sure there is no dry flour left.
If you’re craving a lemon cookie that actually tastes like lemon, this is it|Brother Andrew Corriente|December 2, 2020|Washington Post

Using a flexible spatula, gently fold in half of the almond mixture.
Glam up gluten-free amaretti with a ruby chocolate dip|Rose Wilde|December 2, 2020|Washington Post
With a rubber spatula, stir in the chocolate and cranberries until the dough is well mixed.
Make These Barefoot Contessa Salty Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies|Ina Garten|November 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He uses a spatula to flatten the onions and the meat together, creating a broad circular patty with an uneven edge.
The Most American Pit Stop in the U.S.A.|Jane & Michael Stern|July 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Pour the egg mixture into the pan and stir with rubber spatula.
Cat Cora’s Valentine’s Day Menu for Single People|Cat Cora|February 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Well head over to Williams-Sonoma and scoop up this R2D2 spatula.
Disney Acquires Lucasfilm, Will Foist More ‘Star Wars’ on New Generation|Marlow Stern|October 31, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Free up the crust with a spatula, and breaking it into smaller pieces, place and serve on separate serving dish.
Persian New Year Celebration With Author Azar Nafisi|Karen Fragala Smith|March 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
In addition, a case knife or a small spatula is needed for the spreading of the bread.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Then a knife or a spatula should be run around the edge to loosen each cake from the pan.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
The two case knives are needed for mixing the ingredients in the bowl, and the spatula is used in handling the paste.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 4|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Then, too, it is often convenient to have a metal spatula and a wooden spoon or spatula.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
Remove a very small quantity of the growth by means of the platinum spatula.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique|John William Henry Eyre

British Dictionary definitions for spatula

spatula

/ (ˈspætjʊlə) /

noun

a utensil with a broad flat, often flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or stirring foods, etc

Derived forms of spatula

spatular, adjective

Word Origin for spatula

C16: from Latin: a broad piece, from spatha a flat wooden implement; see spathe

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012