# spade

/ˈspeɪd/ (US) · /spˈeɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spade
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. digging tool

noun · CEFR B1

a tool for digging with a flat metal blade and a long handle.

For teachers: a tool for digging or cutting the ground, consisting of a flat metal blade and a handle; distinguished from a shovel by its flat edge.

- He used a sharp spade to dig a hole for the new rose bush.
- The gardener drove the spade into the compacted clay, turning the soil over to prepare the bed for spring planting.

### 2. playing cards

noun · CEFR B1

one of the four suits in a deck of cards, shown by a black leaf shape.

For teachers: one of the four suits in a standard deck of playing cards, represented by a black inverted heart-shaped leaf with a small stem.

- The ace of spades is often the highest card in many games.
- He realized he had lost the hand when his opponent led with a high spade, forcing him to play his last trump card.

### 3. to dig

verb · CEFR B2

to dig or turn over soil using a spade.

For teachers: to dig, turn over, or remove soil with a spade, typically for horticultural preparation.

- You should spade the garden in late autumn to help the soil breathe.
- The workers spent the afternoon spading the narrow trench where the new irrigation pipes were to be laid.

## Examples

- He used a spade to dig a hole for the new tree.
- After the heavy rain, the gardener found it much easier to push the spade into the softened earth.
- The archaeological team carefully cleared the topsoil with spades before switching to smaller trowels to avoid damaging any delicate artifacts buried beneath the surface.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.