What does ladle mean?
A ladle is a deep serving utensil with a long handle, traditionally used for soup, stew, sauces, and other liquid or soft foods. It is especially associated with serving from a large pot or cauldron, where a spoon would be inconvenient or insufficient. The word can also be used as a verb: to ladle soup means to transfer it into bowls, and “to ladle out” can describe distributing food, money, praise, or information in generous amounts. In figurative uses, the expression may carry a mildly critical implication, suggesting that someone is dispensing too much of something, especially advice. A ladle differs from an ordinary spoon chiefly in its deeper bowl and longer handle, which make it practical for communal serving and for reaching into a vessel.
A deep, long-handled utensil used for serving soup, stew, sauce, or other liquid or soft foods.
"He passed the ladle across the table."
The word normally denotes a vessel larger and deeper than a spoon, especially one used for communal serving.
To serve or transfer food, especially soup or stew, using a ladle.
"The cook ladled the stew into small bowls."
The phrase “ladle out” also has figurative meanings involving generous or indiscriminate distribution.
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The restaurant provided separate ladles for each bowl."
A ladle is designed for sharing: it carries more soup than a spoon and keeps the serving handle safely away from the bowl.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ladle
The word comes from Middle English ladel, from Old English hlædel meaning a small vessel for liquids. It belongs to a Germanic word family associated with lade and load, words connected with the action of carrying or transferring material. The modern verb developed from the noun's established sense of serving food or liquid with such a vessel.
Related word forms
How ladle is actually used
As a noun, a ladle is usually larger than a spoon and is used for serving rather than eating. As a verb, it commonly appears in “ladle out,” which can also mean to distribute information or resources in abundance and may sound slightly dismissive when used figuratively.
Easily confused with ladle
A ladle is usually deeper and has a long handle, making it suitable for serving liquids, whereas a spoon is smaller and intended primarily for eating individual portions.