What does mattock mean?
A mattock is a heavy digging tool with two working ends: a broad blade used for removing soil and a pointed spike used for breaking hard ground, loosening compacted earth, or prising up roots and stones. It differs from a pickaxe chiefly in its broad digging blade and from a hoe in its greater strength and versatility. Mattocks are especially associated with traditional farming, excavation, landscaping, archaeology, and mining, although powered versions have largely replaced them in large-scale agricultural work. The word is particularly common in British and Commonwealth English but is also recognized in the United States. As a verb, “to mattock” means to dig or break ground with the tool, although this use is now relatively uncommon. The word is worth knowing because it names a practical implement with a distinctive combination of digging and prying functions.
A heavy digging tool with a broad blade and a pointed spike, used for breaking hard ground, removing soil, and loosening roots or stones.
"He sharpened the edge of the mattock before beginning work in the garden."
The noun is chiefly used for the traditional hand tool and is common in British and Commonwealth English.
To dig, loosen, or break ground using a mattock.
"They spent the morning mattocking the stony field."
This verbal use is relatively uncommon and has a traditional or agricultural character.
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"The workers carried mattocks, shovels, and buckets to the excavation site."
One tool, two jobs: a mattock's broad blade digs while its pointed spike breaks ground.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mattock come from?
The English word descends through Middle English mattok from Old English mattuc. The Old English term may have been borrowed from a Celtic source represented by Welsh matog and Irish matóg, with the related Middle Irish form matach also cited in etymological references. The precise route by which the Celtic word entered English is uncertain.
Related word forms
How mattock is actually used
The noun is particularly associated with British, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth usage, though it is also understood in American English. The verb is much rarer and sounds traditional, rural, or historical.
Easily confused with mattock
A pickaxe is designed primarily with a pointed pick for breaking rock and hard ground, whereas a mattock typically combines a broad digging blade with a pointed spike.
A hoe is drawn through soil to cultivate or loosen it, while a mattock is a heavier, more versatile tool used for digging, breaking ground, and prising up roots or stones.