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.
A spoonful should hold together — but only just.
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
A spoonful of miso melts into the broth, followed by a pour of coconut cream.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
Each spoonful shifts depending on what you catch — creamy, bright, herby, crisp.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 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
“Yeah, but that was before you came to the sleepless city,” said Somkit as he dumped a spoonful of bright chilis onto his food and stirred.
From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat
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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.