n.
Pronunciation: ' sp ā d
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English spadu; akin to Greek spath ē blade of a sword or oar
Date: before 12th century
1 : a digging implement adapted for being pushed into the ground with the foot
2 : a spade-shaped instrument
– spade · ful \ - ˌ fu ̇ l \ noun