The spelling of the word "shoveller" may be confusing for some since it contains an extra "L" than the commonly known spelling of its root word, "shovel". However, the extra "L" is added to indicate the pronunciation of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription for "shoveller" is /ˈʃʌvələr/. The double "L" in the spelling corresponds to the double "L" sound in the transcribed pronunciation, which differentiates it from the single "L" in the word "shovel".
A shoveller, in its primary usage, refers to an individual or a device used for shoveling or digging. It commonly denotes a person who engages in the act of shoveling, particularly someone who manually lifts and moves soil, rubble, snow, or other loose materials using a shovel. This term can also extend to machinery or vehicles specifically designed for digging or loading purposes, such as an excavator or a front-end loader.
Additionally, "shoveller" can also refer to a type of duck, scientifically known as 'Anas clypeata', belonging to the Anatidae family. These birds are recognized for their distinctive large, spoon-shaped bills, which they use to sift and scoop food particles from water bodies. They are predominantly found in water-rich habitats, including lakes, marshes, and wetlands, where they feed on small aquatic invertebrates, as well as plant matter.
In summary, the term "shoveller" primarily refers to a person or equipment employed for shoveling or digging activities, and can also denote a specific species of duck known for its unique bill shape.
A species of duck, having a long spoon-like bill.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "shoveller" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the verb "shovel", which can be traced back to the Old English word "scofl" or "scaf-ol". This verb refers to the act of moving or lifting material using a shovel. Over time, the agent noun "shoveller" was formed to describe a person or thing that shovels, specifically referring to someone who uses a shovel to move or clear objects or materials. The word has later been applied to describe certain bird species, such as the Northern Shoveler, due to their distinctive and shovel-like bills that they use to filter food from water.