spatula

noun

spat·​u·​la ˈspa-chə-lə 

ˈspach-lə

: a flat thin implement used especially for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, or lifting

Examples of spatula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With five spatulas to choose from in this set, the right one for the job will always be within reach. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently scrape up all bits from bottom of baking sheet, letting olive mixture get increasingly saucy. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Walsh cleaned the bones with a brush, lifted them with a spatula or a stick, and then placed them in specimen containers. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

The tools Good spatulas, tongs, brushes, and grill gloves are indispensable parts of an outdoor cooking collection. —Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, spoon, spatula — more at epaulet

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spatula

noun

spat·​u·​la ˈspach-ə-lə 

: an instrument with a thin flexible blade used especially for spreading or mixing soft substances or lifting

Medical Definition

spatula

noun

spat·​u·​la ˈspach-(ə-)lə 

: a flat thin instrument for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, lifting, or scraping