Definition

Noun: A small, handheld gardening tool with a pointed, scoop-shaped metal blade and a handle. It is used for digging small holes, planting, weeding, and moving soil in a garden.

Usage

The term "garden trowel" refers specifically to this common gardening implement. It is a compound noun where "garden" describes the primary context of use for the "trowel."

Examples

• Use the garden trowel to dig a hole for the seedling.
• She cleaned the soil off her garden trowel after planting the annuals.
• A sturdy garden trowel is essential for any gardener's toolkit.

Advanced Usage

• "to trowel" (verb, less common): The act of using a trowel. While the verb form exists, it is more general and not exclusively paired with "garden."
  • He troweled the mortar onto the bricks. (This typically refers to a masonry trowel, not a garden trowel).

Variants and Related Words

• Trowel (noun): The general category of tools with a flat, pointed blade. A "garden trowel" is a specific type of trowel. Other types include:
  • Masonry trowel: Used for spreading mortar or plaster.
  • Pointing trowel: A smaller trowel for detailed masonry work.
• Hand trowel: A synonym often used interchangeably with "garden trowel."

Synonyms

• Hand trowel
• Digging trowel
• Planting trowel

Related Phrases

• Garden fork: A handheld tool with prongs, used for loosening soil.
• Garden spade: A larger tool with a flat blade, used for digging and edging.
• Garden hand tools: The broader category that includes trowels, forks, and pruners.

Noun

1. a trowel used by gardeners