trowel noun [C]. › a ​small ​tool consisting of a ​flat ​metal ​blade ​joined to a ​handle, used for ​spreading ​building ​materials such as ​cement › a ​small ​tool with a ​curved ​pointed ​metal ​blade, used in the ​garden for ​digging ​small ​holes and ​removing ​small ​plants from the ​ground.