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

Take a look at our list of plastic-free kitchen tools, including glass food storage containers and wooden spatulas, and pick your favorites to swap in before January 1 arrives. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025

Glue the latke onto a pancake flipper or spatula. —Janna Oberdorf, Parents, 15 Dec. 2025

Using an offset spatula, spread chocolate into a roughly 1/8-inch-thick rectangle (about 10 x 13 inches). —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a silicone spatula until a dough forms. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Dec. 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