Meaning & Definition of word "Spade"

Spade

/speɪd/

noun:

  • 1. A tool for digging, typically consisting of a broad, flat blade with a long handle.
    • Example: He used a spade to dig up the flower bed.
  • 2. A playing card bearing one or more black symbols shaped like a heart with a stem.
    • Example: She drew a spade from the deck during the game.
  • 3. A spade (the suit) in a card game.
    • Example: In poker, having three spades can make for a strong hand.

verb:

  • 1. To dig or move earth with a spade.
    • Example: They began to spade the soil in preparation for planting.

Etymology

Middle English 'spade', from Old English 'spæde', related to Proto-Germanic '*spēdō'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

call a spade a spade:

To speak plainly and directly about something, without euphemism.

spade work:

The preliminary, often less glamorous work done to prepare for something.

dig your own grave (with a spade):

To create a difficult situation for oneself.

Related Words

shovel:

A tool similar to a spade used for digging and moving bulk material.

garden fork:

A tool with a handle and several prongs used for loosening soil.

hoe:

A gardening tool with a long handle and a flat blade for shaping soil.

Slang Meanings of spade

Meaning: An offensive term for a Black person.

Example Sentence: Using that term is considered highly disrespectful.

Meaning: To spade someone means to deceive or cheat them.

Example Sentence: He was spaded in the poker game.