Spoon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spoon
[spuːn ]
Definitions
eating utensil
A spoon is a utensil consisting of a small, shallow bowl on a long handle, used for stirring, serving, and eating food.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spoon |
Used for eating or serving small amounts of food, especially soups, desserts, or stirring liquids.
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| ladle |
Used for serving liquids or semi-liquids, typically in larger amounts. Common in kitchens for soups, stews, and punch.
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| scoop |
Used for picking up or serving solid or semi-solid foods, particularly ones like ice cream or flour. Can also be used metaphorically to describe obtaining information.
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| dipper |
Used for scooping and pouring liquids and can be found in places like a farm, river, or kitchen. It's often a deeper tool than a spoon.
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Examples of usage
- I used a spoon to stir my coffee.
- She scooped some ice cream with a spoon.
- He ate the soup with a spoon.
express affection
To spoon means to lie close together with another person, facing the same direction, in a way that suggests affection.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spoon |
This word was already defined. |
| cuddle |
This word is used to describe a gentle and affectionate embrace. It can be used in various situations such as romantic, familial, or comforting someone. It implies warmth and care.
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| snuggle |
This word describes getting into a warm, comfortable, and pleasant position, often next to someone. It conveys a sense of coziness and tenderness.
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| embrace |
Refers to holding someone closely in one's arms, usually out of affection, joy, or comfort. It can be used in formal and informal situations, often signifying strong emotions.
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Examples of usage
- They spent the night spooning in bed.
- The couple were spooning on the couch.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the phrase 'born with a silver spoon in one's mouth' refers to someone born into wealth.
- In some traditions, spoons are considered symbols of nurturing and care, often gifted at baby showers.
Science
- Spoons can affect how we perceive the taste and temperature of food; a metal spoon can feel colder than a plastic one.
- The design of a spoon impacts how easily we can scoop food – deeper spoons hold more liquid, while shallow ones are better for solids.
Pop Culture
- The famous nursery rhyme 'Hey Diddle Diddle' features a cat playing a fiddle and a cow jumping over the moon, showcasing whimsical imagery often illustrated with spoons.
- In the culinary world, the iconic phrase 'a spoonful of sugar' from Mary Poppins highlights how spoons play a vital role in cooking and baking.
Art
- Spoons have been used as subjects in various artworks, often symbolizing domesticity and the simple pleasures of life.
- Some contemporary artists have created sculptures and installations that feature spoons to comment on consumerism and waste.
Origin of 'spoon'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'spoon' comes from the Old English word 'spōn,' which means a splinter or chip of wood.
- Spoons have been in use since prehistoric times, often made from wood or stone long before metal was introduced.
The word 'spoon' originated from Old English 'spon' which meant a chip or splinter of wood. The utensil spoon evolved from this meaning as wooden spoons were commonly used in the past. The design of the modern spoon as we know it today began to take shape in the 16th century with the introduction of metal spoons. Over time, the spoon has become an essential tool in dining and cooking.