rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytrowelFlat-bladed hand tool
noun / verb

trowel

TROW-uhl/ˈtraʊəl/

A small flat-bladed hand tool for working soil or soft building materials.

The mason’s trowel rests on the fresh mortar.

A clearly recognizable masonry trowel with a small wooden handle, bent metal shank, and broad triangular steel blade resting on a fresh mortar bed atop two bricks.
Etymology
trowelLatinsmall ladle, dipper

The ancestor meant 'small ladle,' placing the tool's name among implements for scooping and handling material. In English it named the mason's mortar-spreading tool before also being applied to the gardening tool.

In context

DIYwithMAX - 🇺🇦3:16
use the type of trowel recommended on the mortar bag spread a quarter inch coat on the surface of the install area using the flat side of the trowel
6 TIPS For Laying Floor Tile With No Experience

More examples

  • The mason spread mortar with a trowel.
  • He troweled the surface smooth.
  • A small trowel lay beside the flowerpots.

Forms

trowel · trowels · troweled · troweling

Similar words

spade
A spade is a larger digging tool; a trowel is small and hand-held.
spatula
A spatula also has a flat blade but usually serves different spreading or kitchen tasks.