spatula
noun
spat·u·la ˈspa-chə-lə 
ˈspach-lə
: a flat thin implement used especially for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, or lifting
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the beans and water, and warm, stirring with a rubber spatula, until the beans are warm and spreadable, about 3 minutes. 
Ann Maloney, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 Stir in chocolate chips gently with a rubber spatula. Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 With the mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Ina Garten, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2022 Step 3Pour batter into prepared pan; smooth top with a rubber or offset spatula. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 2 Aug. 2022 Spoon into the prepared pan in small dollops and spread — an offset spatula is great here — into a thin, even layer. Tribune News Service, cleveland, 27 June 2022 Use a flat butter knife or small offset spatula to spread filling evenly from one end to the other. Eleanore Park, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021 Spread very thinly using offset spatula, then carefully remove stencil. The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, 21 Oct. 2021 With a tableware knife or offset spatula, spread the dulce de leche almost to the edges. San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2021 See More
Ann Maloney, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 Stir in chocolate chips gently with a rubber spatula. Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 With the mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Ina Garten, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2022 Step 3Pour batter into prepared pan; smooth top with a rubber or offset spatula. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 2 Aug. 2022 Spoon into the prepared pan in small dollops and spread — an offset spatula is great here — into a thin, even layer. Tribune News Service, cleveland, 27 June 2022 Use a flat butter knife or small offset spatula to spread filling evenly from one end to the other. Eleanore Park, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021 Spread very thinly using offset spatula, then carefully remove stencil. The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, 21 Oct. 2021 With a tableware knife or offset spatula, spread the dulce de leche almost to the edges. San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Late Latin, spoon, spatula — more at epaulet
First Known Use
1525, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
spatula
noun
spat·u·la ˈspa-chə-lə
1
: a tool resembling a knife with a broad flexible blade that is used mostly for spreading or mixing soft substances
2
: a kitchen utensil with a long handle and a wide blade used for scraping batter from a bowl or for lifting and flipping food
Medical Definition
spatula
noun
spat·u·la ˈspach-(ə-)lə
: a flat thin instrument for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, lifting, or scraping