Spoon: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
|
| ladle |
Used for serving liquids or semi-liquids, typically in larger amounts. Common in kitchens for soups, stews, and punch.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| 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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "spoon" in other languages:
🇵🇹 colher
🇮🇳 चम्मच (chammach)
🇩🇪 Löffel
🇮🇩 sendok
🇺🇦 ложка
🇵🇱 łyżka
🇯🇵 スプーン (supūn)
🇫🇷 cuillère
🇪🇸 cuchara
🇹🇷 kaşık
🇰🇷 숟가락 (sutgarak)
🇸🇦 ملعقة (mil'aqa)
🇨🇿 lžíce
🇸🇰 lyžica
🇨🇳 勺子 (sháozi)
🇸🇮 žlica
🇮🇸 skeið
🇰🇿 қасық (qasıq)
🇬🇪 კოვზი (k'ovzi)
🇦🇿 qaşıq
🇲🇽 cuchara