Dollop

Definition

Dollop is a noun referring to a small lump or blob of a soft substance, especially food, dropped or placed somewhere; as a verb, it means to place or serve something in small spoonfuls or blobs.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive/intransitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈdɑː.ləp/
• Respelling: DAH-lup

British English

• IPA: /ˈdɒl.əp/
• Respelling: DOL-up

Etymology

Mid 17th century: of uncertain origin, perhaps imitative in formation, first attested in culinary contexts.

Derivatives

• dolloped (verb past)
• dolloping (verb gerund/adjective)

Synonyms

• blob
• glob
• clump
• spoonful
• wad

Antonyms

• dash
• drizzle
• pinch
• smear

Usage

Noun: The noun "dollop" is used in culinary and informal contexts to denote a small amount of a soft substance. For example, "She added a dollop of whipped cream to her pie," or "He served the stew with a generous dollop of yogurt."

Verb: As a verb, "to dollop" means to place or serve something in small spoonfuls or blobs. For example, "She dolloped sour cream onto each taco," or "He dollops ketchup on his fries."

Related Terms

• Spoonful: The amount held by a spoon.
• Blob: A shapeless lump or drop.
• Glob: A mass or lump of something sticky.
• Scoop: A rounded spoonful.
• Portion: A part or serving size.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A small lump or blob of a soft substance – typically dropped or dolloped with a spoon.
  • Example: "She topped the soup with a dollop of crème fraîche."
• A generous spoonful of a condiment or soft food – an informal measure used in cooking.
  • Example: "Add a dollop of butter to the mashed potatoes."

Verb

• To place or drop in small spoonfuls or blobs – to serve or apply liberally.
  • Example: "She dolloped jam onto each scone."
• To apply generously in spoonfuls – often used for sauces or creams.
  • Example: "He dollops mashed avocado on his toast."