shoveller
/'ʃʌvlə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
A shoveller duck swims in a calm pond, its broad bill skimming the water's surface.
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of freshwater duck: A duck of the northern hemisphere, characterized by a broad, flat, spoon-shaped bill used for sifting food from water.
- A person who shovels: A worker whose job involves moving material with a shovel.
- A tool or machine for shoveling: (Less common) Something that shovels.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Duck):
- We spotted a shoveller dabbling in the pond.
- The shoveller's distinctive bill helps it filter small invertebrates from the water.
- Noun (Worker):
- The shoveller cleared the snow from the driveway all morning.
- He worked as a shoveller in the coal yard.
Advanced Usage
- "Shoveller" vs. "Shoveler": Both spellings are correct and interchangeable. "Shoveller" is more common in British English, while "shoveler" is more common in American English.
- The report noted the employment of twenty shovellers on the site. (UK)
- The foreman hired a new shoveler for the crew. (US)
Variants and Related Words
- Shovel (n/v): The tool used for lifting and moving loose material; the action of using this tool.
- He used a shovel to dig a hole.
- Shoveling (n): The activity or job of moving material with a shovel.
- Shoveling gravel is hard work.
Synonyms
- For the worker: Laborer, digger, excavator.
- For the duck: Northern shoveler (its full common name), (scientific name).
Related Phrases
- To shovel something: To move something with a shovel.
- They had to shovel the dirt back into the trench.
- To shovel food/down: (Informal) To eat something quickly and in large amounts.
- He shoveled down his dinner and left.
A shoveller duck swims in a calm pond, its broad bill skimming the water's surface.
Noun
- freshwater duck of the northern hemisphere having a broad flat bill
- a worker who shovels
- a shoveler of coal