spatula

noun

spat·​u·​la ˈspa-chə-lə How to pronounce spatula (audio)
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 Former Food editor Russ Parsons claims the secret to the perfect creamy scramble is cold butter, monitoring the heat closely, and stirring constantly by whisk, spatula or wooden spoon. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 Or snag this nonstick frying pan to put an end to the wrestling matches between you, a spatula, and a fried egg. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 And luckily for the gecko, the structure of the spatulas makes the adhesion directional, so that when its toes are no longer being loaded, they can be easily peeled off of whatever they’re attached to. IEEE Spectrum, 6 Feb. 2024 Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat into very small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon, until completely browned. Corey Inscoe, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Assemble mini cakes: Using a small offset spatula, spread Sweetened Whipped Cream on half of layers, and top with remaining layers. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 Purchasing a spatula can help to minimize any extra mess, especially if the cream comes in a jar. Brienne Walsh, Parents, 21 Feb. 2024 If your kitchen spoons and spatulas are weathered and stained, consider replacing them with this 11-piece utensil set. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2024 Transfer mixture to prepared pan and press into even layer with greased spatula. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, spoon, spatula — more at epaulet

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spatula was in 1525

Dictionary Entries Near spatula

Cite this Entry

“Spatula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spatula. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spatula

noun
spat·​u·​la ˈspach-ə-lə How to pronounce spatula (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce spatula (audio)
: a flat thin instrument for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, lifting, or scraping

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