trowel
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //ˈtraʊ.əl//
KK: /ˈtraʊəl/
noun
Definition
A hand tool with a flat or scoop-shaped blade used for leveling, spreading, or shaping materials like cement or soil.
Example
The gardener used a trowel to plant the flowers in the garden.
Conversation
I bought a new trowel for my garden this weekend.
That's awesome! What kind did you get?
It's a small one, perfect for planting flowers.
Nice! A good trowel can really make gardening easier.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spade
shovel
hoe
Antonyms
pickaxe
sledgehammer
crowbar
transitive verb
Definition
To use a small hand tool with a flat blade for spreading, smoothing, or shaping materials like soil or cement.
Example
He troweled the concrete to make it smooth and even.
Tense Forms
Past: troweled
Past Participle: troweled
Conversation
I saw you in the garden yesterday; what were you working on?
I was trying to trowel the soil to make it ready for planting.
That sounds like a good idea! How did it go?
Root Explanation
Trowel → The word 'trowel' originates from Old French 'truelle', which means a small tool used for digging or smoothing. It refers specifically to a hand tool used in masonry or gardening.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old French word 'truelle' for a small tool — this helps you remember that a trowel is a small tool used for digging or smoothing.
Visually Confused Words
towel
rowel
thowel