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, 17 Nov. 2025

Pour potato filling evenly into pie shell, and smooth top with a spatula. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025

Once broccoli starts to get soft, remove sausage from casing and add it to the pan, breaking down into small crumbles using a wooden spatula. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

For instance, a sleekly aerodynamic turner spatula (starting from $44), fabricated from a single piece of stainless steel, from the hundred-and-sixty-six-year-old French cutlery producer André Verdier. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 16 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