spatula

word

Definition

A spatula is a kitchen tool with a wide, flat blade used for flipping, spreading, or lifting food, like pancakes or eggs. It can also refer to a tool for mixing or scraping in cooking or science.

Usage & Nuances

Usually refers to a kitchen tool, but there are also lab spatulas (science). In cooking, "spatula" in the US can mean both a flipper (for turning food) and a spreader (for frosting). Some regions use other names: "turner" (flipper type), "scraper" (baking).

Example Sentences

Please hand me the spatula so I can flip the pancakes.

basic

He used a spatula to spread icing on the cake.

basic

The spatula is in the top drawer next to the stove.

basic

Don’t use a metal spatula on that pan—it might scratch the surface.

natural

I couldn't find the spatula so I used a spoon instead.

natural

Every kitchen needs at least one good spatula—you’ll use it all the time.

natural