Spoon

Definition

The term "spoon" refers to a utensil with a shallow bowl and a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serving food and liquids.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /spuːn/
• Respelling: SPOON

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /spuːn/
• Respelling: SPOON

Etymology

The word "spoon" originates from Old English "spōn," meaning "chip of wood" or "splinter," and is related to Old Norse "spánn," meaning "chip" or "spoon," reflecting its historical crafting from wood.

Derivatives

• Spooning (verb, informal)
• Spoonful (noun)
• Spoonbill (noun)
• Spoonerism (noun)
• Silver spoon (phrase)

Synonyms

• Ladle
• Scoop
• Utensil

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "spoon" is commonly used to describe a utensil for eating or stirring. For example, "She used a spoon to stir the soup" (noun) or "They were spooning the dessert into bowls" (verb).

Related Terms

• Fork: A utensil with prongs for eating or serving.
• Knife: A utensil used for cutting.
• Ladle: A larger utensil for serving liquids.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A utensil for eating or serving: Refers to a tool with a shallow bowl and a handle.
  • Example: "The child ate cereal with a small spoon."
• A unit of measure: Refers to the amount held by a spoon, especially in cooking.
  • Example: "Add two teaspoons of sugar."

Verb

• To move or transfer with a spoon: Refers to the act of using a spoon to scoop or serve.
  • Example: "She spooned some ice cream into the bowl."
• To embrace closely in a lying position (informal): Refers to the act of lying close together, often in a cuddling position.
  • Example: "They were spooning on the couch."