William Morris Hunt

It gives a fellow an awful shiver to hear the first shovelful of dirt and gravel rattle down upon the coffin; but after it is covered, it falls gently and makes no sound. The feeling of rest is perfect. There's no more nagging, no more pain!

American Artist

Shovelful implies a non-exact measure, similar to a handful or a pinch.

Measurement Tool

Shovelful is often used in construction or gardening to indicate amounts of material.

Construction Usage

The word can suggest physical labor involved in moving materials.

Physical Effort

Shovelful isn't limited to one substance; it can refer to various materials.

Varied Materials

It often implies an action, like digging or clearing, has occurred.

Action Oriented

Conveys a sense of quantity in a more colloquial, accessible way.