spoonful
Americannoun
-
the amount that a spoon is able to hold
-
a small quantity
Spelling
See -ful.
Other Word Forms
- half-spoonful adjective
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.
Each spoonful shifts depending on what you catch — creamy, bright, herby, crisp.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
A spoonful stirred into chicken salad for something creamier without the weight.
From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026
A pat of butter melting into everything, a scatter of cheese, a cool spoonful of sour cream.
From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026
But somebody in my party would always have something spicy and I can have a spoonful to add to mine.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026
He moves first, awkwardly returning to his knees, and I join him, shoulder to shoulder, snipping, clearing, and scooping a spoonful of dirt at a time.
From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson
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.
