power shovel

noun

1. any self-propelled shovel for excavating earth, ore, or coal with a dipper that is powered by a diesel engine or electric motor. Compare shovel ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of power shovel¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Video previously released by police showed dozens of searchers wearing rubber boots and protective clothing and face masks using long-tined rakes to examine material excavated from the landfill by a power shovel.

From Washington Times

ONE OF THE Nevada Construction Company’s four “great electric power shovels” is at work on the right, digging away to the north on what little is left of Denny Hill by March 15, 1930.

From Seattle Times

“One day they just called in the trucks for lunch, and they said, ‘Bring in your backpacks,’ which was unheard-of,” said Shannon Baker, a former power shovel operator at a mine near Iron Valley.

From New York Times

There was no electricity or water supply in the neighborhood, but a power shovel was already clearing chunks of asphalt, broken pieces of concrete and other debris at the end of the ruptured road.

From US News

Coal beds too thin to be mined underground were stripped by power shovels, some of which dug to depths of almost 100 feet.

From Washington Times