pick-and-shovel

adjective

pick-and-shov·​el ˈpik-ən(d)-ˈshə-vəl How to pronounce pick-and-shovel (audio)
: done with or as if with a pick and shovel : laborious

Examples of pick-and-shovel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The core operation and a smattering of pick-and-shovel prospects mined the surface gold that was easily extracted by hand from exposed late Cretaceous-period rocks that shed bits of precious minerals in flakes, nuggets and dust. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pick-and-shovel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pick-and-shovel was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near pick-and-shovel

Cite this Entry

“Pick-and-shovel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick-and-shovel. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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