ladle

1 of 2

noun

la·​dle ˈlā-dᵊl 

1

: a deep-bowled long-handled spoon used especially for dipping up and conveying liquids

2

: something resembling a ladle in form or function

ladleful

ˈlā-dᵊl-ˌfu̇l 

noun

ladle

2 of 2

verb

ladled; ladling ˈlā-dᵊl-iŋ 

ˈlād-liŋ

transitive verb

: to take up and convey in or as if in a ladle

Synonyms of ladle

Noun

• spoon

Verb

• scoop
• spoon

Examples of ladle in a Sentence

Noun

the chef looked around for a ladle to add the chicken broth to the pot

Verb

The soup was ladled into the bowls.

ladling the wine into cups

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Beds are exceptionally cloud-like; the outdoor bathtub a relief in the tropical heat, as is the traditional bucket and ladle. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

Using a ladle, scoop up about 1/2 cup of broth and stir into flour mixture. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026

Verb

More than three dozen businesses will be ladling up the cozy stuff this year, including a few of my favorites from past events. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 19 Mar. 2026

Toppings are added, and sauce is ladled on in parallel stripes across the top. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ladel, from Old English hlædel, from hladan

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1532, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ladle

• cradle
• decadal

Kids Definition

ladle

1 of 2 noun

la·​dle ˈlād-ᵊl 

: a spoon or dipper with a long handle and a deep bowl used for dipping

ladleful

-ˌfu̇l 

noun

ladle

2 of 2 verb

ladled; ladling ˈlād-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

: to take up and carry in or as if in a ladle