spoonful
Americannoun
-
the amount that a spoon is able to hold
-
a small quantity
Spelling
See -ful.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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.
A spoonful can deepen a pot of lentils, enrich a mushroom skillet or give a weeknight stir-fry the impression that someone spent considerably more time thinking about it than they actually did.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
Chipotles in adobo bring smoke, spice and richness in a single spoonful.
From Salon • May 19, 2026
Each spoonful shifts depending on what you catch — creamy, bright, herby, crisp.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
A spoonful of miso whisked into broth or a can of beans folded in at the right moment can stand in for hours of slow development.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
“Keep icing it on and off. I want the swelling down some so I can set that bone tonight. Mix a spoonful of willow bark in water every few hours for pain.”
From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
