Shovel  —n. 1 spadelike tool with raised sides, for shifting coal etc. 2 (part of) a machine with a similar form or function. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 move (as if) with a shovel. 2 colloq. Move in large quantities or roughly (shovelled peas into his mouth).  shovelful n. (pl. -s). [old english]