steam shovel

American  

noun

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

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steam-shovel British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of steam shovel

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

Underwood noted that the ongoing roadwork allowed him to see a real steam shovel at work, and he and cousin Peggy benefited from all the construction, selling garden surplus and Cokes to the workers.

From Washington Times • May 6, 2018

“Washington overpowered my father like a steam shovel, tossing him into a heap like discarded dirt,” she wrote.

From The Guardian • Apr. 22, 2018

It later tumbled out of debris being scooped up by a steam shovel.

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2017

Or: “Elizabeth always wanted to read fables to her little girl but the child only wanted to hear the story about the little bird who thought a steam shovel was its mother.”

From The New Yorker • Aug. 15, 2016

He smiled inwardly: Hey, Grayson, look — Mike Mulligan’s steam shovel had a baby!

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli