steam shovel

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noun

a machine for digging or excavating, operated by its own engine and boiler.

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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 steam shovel

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Words nearby steam shovel

steam reforming, steamroll, steamroller, steam room, steamship, steam shovel, steam table, steamtight, steam trap, steam turbine, steam up

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

How to use steam shovel in a sentence

Can anyone imagine how a thought can turn into a steam shovel, or a steam shovel into a thought?
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
Compare the two things, a state of consciousness and say, a steam shovel.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
But strength plows its scornful way through temperament like a steam-shovel.
I, Mary MacLane|Mary MacLane
A few minutes' walk brought them in sight of the big steam shovel, which was doing the work of two hundred men with wheelbarrows.
The Boy Chums in the Florida Jungle|Wilmer M. Ely

As the little party drew nearer, they could see more plainly the heaps of mud and wet dirt left in the wake of the steam shovel.
The Boy Chums in the Florida Jungle|Wilmer M. Ely

British Dictionary definitions for steam shovel

steam-shovel

noun

a steam-driven mechanical excavator, esp one having a large bucket or grab on a beam slung from a revolving jib

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