Spade

A spade is a digging tool with a flat, typically rectangular blade and a handle. It is used for gardening, trenching, planting, and other earth-moving tasks. Spades are designed to cut through turf and soil; they differ from shovels, which have deeper, rounded blades for scooping. A spade blade is usually straight and may be square-nosed or pointed at the tip, depending on the intended work.

Design and variants commonly include steel or stainless-steel blades with wooden, fiberglass, or metal handles. Square-nosed spades are favored for breaking ground and edging, while pointed spades can penetrate compact or hard soil more easily. The length of the handle and the balance of the tool influence leverage and user comfort. Proper maintenance, such as keeping the blade sharp and cleaning after use, helps extend the tool’s life.

Safety and technique are important when using a spade. Use a stable stance, bend at the knees rather than the back, and avoid twisting while digging. Be mindful of buried utilities and other hazards, wear gloves, and use eye protection in dusty or rocky soil.

In playing cards, spades are one of the four suits. The symbol is a black, leaf-shaped spearhead. Spades appear in many games, including the trick-taking game Spades, as well as Bridge and Hearts, where suit order and power can influence strategy. The etymology of the word is uncertain, with origins dating to medieval English and possible connections to terms for blades or swords.