Standard Lemma guide

spudger

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • General-American: /ˈspʌd͡ʒɚ/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈspʌd͡ʒə/
  • rhymes with -ʌdʒə(ɹ)

1

noun

Meaning 1

A hand-held tool consisting of a short narrow rod with various shaped tools at the ends.

A hand tool used to work on punch-down blocks without short circuiting electric terminals. It has a hook on one end and a notched blade on the other.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: communications, electrical-engineering, engineering, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, telecommunications

Examples

  • Place the upper casing on edge and use a spudger to push the keyboard away from the casing, poking the spudger through the holes where the screws were.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A hand-held tool consisting of a short narrow rod with various shaped tools at the ends.

A computer technician's tool used as a prybar and probe for use with plastic and other parts.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A hand-held tool consisting of a short narrow rod with various shaped tools at the ends.

An electronics tool made of nylon filled with glass, for holding components while soldering.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

1425–75; a variant of late Middle English spuddle (“short knife”).

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: lasta — aforementioned tool in any of the functions
  • French: spatule de démontage — aforementioned tool in any of the functions
  • German: Spatel (scilicet antistatischer Spatel) — aforementioned tool in any of the functions