Bowlful - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

amount of food

A bowlful refers to the quantity of food or substance that can fill a bowl. It is often used to describe serving sizes, particularly in the context of meals or snacks. For example, one might say a 'bowlful of cereal' or 'bowlful of soup.' This term emphasizes the container's capacity as a measure of volume for food and can convey a sense of abundance.

Synonyms

helping, portion, serving.

Examples of usage

She served a bowlful of chili for dinner.
He filled his bowlful with popcorn while watching the movie.
After a tiring day, I enjoyed a bowlful of ice cream.
The recipe calls for a bowlful of chopped vegetables.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

In cooking, a bowlful might refer to a standard measurement in recipes, especially for ingredients like rice or salad.
For serving, a bowlful serves as a way to present food nicely, enhancing the dining experience.
Cereal is often marketed in packages containing a typical bowlful serving suggestion.

Popular Culture

The phrase 'bowlful of jelly' is famously referenced in the context of Santa Claus to describe his rounded belly.
In children’s literature, characters are often found sharing a bowlful of fruit during joyous gatherings.
Many advertisements highlight the joy of sharing meals by emphasizing the image of a bowlful of comfort food.

Psychology

The act of sharing a bowlful of snacks can promote social bonding and is often seen at parties or gatherings.
Research shows that visually appealing presentations of food, like a well-arranged bowlful, increase appetite and enjoyment.
Bowlfuls of food can evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding people of family meals or special occasions.

Measurements

In culinary contexts, a bowlful can vary widely, depending on the bowl size, leading to inconsistencies in ingredient measurements.
Home cooks often develop their definitions of a 'bowlful' based on personal experience rather than standard measurements.
In some cultures, especially in Asian cuisine, a bowlful of rice is a staple part of meals, demonstrating cultural significance.

Origin of 'bowlful'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'bowl', which means a deep dish, with 'ful', indicating the quantity it can hold.
The term has been used since the late 1800s to describe various quantities of food or material.
The Old English word for bowl, 'bolla', originally referred to a rounded container.

The word 'bowlful' is a compound noun formed from the words 'bowl' and 'ful.' The term 'bowl' dates back to the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French 'bol,' which in turn has roots in the Latin word 'bulla,' meaning 'bubble' or 'swell.' This etymology reflects the rounded shape of the vessel used for holding food or liquids. The suffix '-ful' comes from Old English '-full,' which denotes 'having the specified quantity of.' Thus, 'bowlful' literally means 'a quantity that fills a bowl.' The term has been in use since the early 19th century, and its popularity has grown with the rise of serving food in bowls, as seen in various cuisines and serving styles that prioritize casual dining and sharing, such as soup, salads, and cereals.

Bowlful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations