spud

[ spuhd ]

noun

1. Informal. a potato.
2. a spadelike instrument, especially one with a narrow blade, as for digging up or cutting the roots of weeds.
3. a chisel-like tool for removing bark.
4. a pointed leg or stake for staying or supporting dredging or earth-boring machinery.
5. a short pipe, as for connecting a water pipe with a meter.
6. Surgery. an instrument having a dull flattened blade for removing substances or foreign bodies from certain parts of the body, as wax from the ear.

verb (used with object)

, spud·ded, spud·ding.

1. to remove with a spud.

verb phrase

1. to set up earth-boring equipment, especially for drilling an oil well.

spud

/ spʌd /

noun

1. an informal word for potato
2. a narrow-bladed spade for cutting roots, digging up weeds, etc
3. Also calledspudder a tool, resembling a chisel, for removing bark from trees

verb

1. tr to remove (bark) or eradicate (weeds) with a spud
2. intr to drill the first foot of an oil-well

Word History and Origins

Origin of spud¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English spudde “short knife”; further origin unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of spud¹

C15 spudde short knife, of unknown origin; applied later to a digging tool, and hence to a potato

Example Sentences

First, poke your spud with a fork to allow for even cooking and prevent any explosions.

From Popular-Science

I hate to ask who the maternal figure is behind “Mama’s” mashed potatoes, but the lackluster spuds don’t exactly rate the feel-good reference.

From Washington Post

However, I tend to regulate these iterations of crispy spuds to lunch and dinner these days, thus filling me with joy and exuberance anytime I’m able to enjoy crunchy taters in the morning.

From Washington Post

Some of the recipes traditionally called for pre- or par-cooked potatoes, but all can be cooked from raw spuds.

From Washington Post

Below, you’ll find some great spud ideas for your Thanksgiving table.

From Washington Post

Old Warrender would lean on his daisy-spud a pleased spectator of the Arcadian scene.

From Project Gutenberg

Again he caught a glimpse of the boy's arm amid all that spud and foam.

From Project Gutenberg

Spud Murphy, our officer, fought till his arm was disabled, but we continued to hold the trench.

From Project Gutenberg

She walked up and down with her spud for another half-hour before she could come to any conclusion.

From Project Gutenberg

Spud answered with a joyous oath that it certainly looked like it.

From Project Gutenberg