Definition

1. 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.

Noun

1. freshwater duck of the northern hemisphere having a broad flat bill
2. a worker who shovels
   • a shoveler of coal