spoonful
Americannoun
-
the amount that a spoon is able to hold
-
a small quantity
Spelling
See -ful.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of spoonful
First recorded in 1250–1300, spoonful is from the Middle English word sponeful. See spoon, -ful
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
She works as a healthcare clown for Boston Children’s Hospital on the side and continues to live by the clowning code: be open-minded and take life with a spoonful of levity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
It is in our nature to see something new and spit it out like we are 2 years old and PepsiCo has offered us a spoonful of broccoli.
From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026
It began with a bag of frozen dumplings, a can of coconut milk, a spoonful of white miso and 15 minutes to make lunch.
From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026
“I like to immerse myself and have a real experience and hopefully make it funny so it’s like a spoonful of sugar for the audience as they learn something.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
I reach for another spoonful of rice and Miss Fulton doesn’t even notice.
From "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome
“I’d eat one or two spoonfuls, and then add the toppings,” he says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
Presented covered by a cloche, you’ll first indulge in the smoke as the dish is revealed before enjoying the two spoonfuls of goodness.
From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2024
He had two spoonfuls, Mr. Valdez, 31, said.
From New York Times ● Jan. 23, 2024
It’s so good that she serves extra spoonfuls of the dressing straight out of the mixing bowl, dropping dollops of it onto our plates.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2023
I looked at him, then poured three spoonfuls and shoved the shaker toward him.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
