spoonful
Americannoun
-
the amount that a spoon is able to hold
-
a small quantity
Spelling
See -ful.
Other Word 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.
An umami anchor follows: miso, a spoonful of broth concentrate, a shower of cheese.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 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
Scoop it up with pita chips, swipe it onto sandwiches—or, honestly, eat it by the spoonful.
From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025
“Honey. If you can get hold of any slippery elm powder, add a bit of that as well. But a spoonful of honey should help on its own,” I say.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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.
