shovel

Syllables:
sho·vel
2 syllables
shovel in syllables

About "shovel"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "shovel" into Syllables

The word shovel is divided into 2 syllables: sho·vel. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • sho — 1st syllable
  • vel — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of shovel:

  • IPA: /ˈʃʌvl̩/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. A hand tool with a handle, used for moving portions of material such as earth, snow, and grain from one place to another, with some forms also used for digging. In strict usage differentiated from a spade, which is designed solely for small-scale digging and incidental tasks such as chopping of small roots.
  2. A mechanical part of an excavator with a similar function.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English shovele, schovel, showell, shoule, shole (> English dialectal shoul, shool), from Old English scofl (“shovel”), from Proto-Germanic *skuflō, *skūflō (“shovel”), equivalent to shove +‎ -el (instrumental/agent suffix). Cognate with Scots shuffle, shule, shuil (“shovel”), Saterland Frisian Sköifel (“shovel”), West Frisian skoffel, schoffel (“hoe, spade, shovel”), Dutch schoffel (“spade, hoe”), Low German Schüfel, Schuffel (“shovel”), German Sch...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down shovel into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare shovel with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
shovel 2 sho·vel
shuffle 1 shuffle
saveloy 3 sa-ve-loy
Seville 3 se-vil-le
shippable 2 shipp-able

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to shovel:

shoe, shoo, shop, shot, show, shoal, shoat, shock.

Frequently Asked Questions About "shovel"

How many syllables does "shovel" have?

shovel has 2 syllables: sho·vel. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "shovel"?

The stress is on the first syllable: sho. This means you emphasize the "sho" part when pronouncing shovel.

How do you pronounce "shovel"?

shovel is pronounced as /ˈʃʌvl̩/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: sho·vel.

Is "shovel" easy to spell?

Breaking shovel into syllables helps with spelling: sho·vel. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "shovel" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.