1
a
: an eating or cooking implement consisting of a small shallow bowl with a relatively long handle
b
: spoonful
two spoons of sugar
2
: something (such as a tool or fishing lure) that resembles a spoon in shape
spooned; spooning; spoons
: to take up and usually transfer in a spoon
1
: to nestle close together while lying down with one person facing the back of another
2
[perh. from the Welsh custom of an engaged man's presenting his fiancée with an elaborately carved wooden spoon]
: to engage in amorous caressing, kissing, and conversation : neck
Examples of spoon in a Sentence
Noun
an assortment of metal and wooden spoons should be part of every cook's culinary arsenal
Verb
She spooned the gravy onto her potatoes.
He spooned the ice cream into a bowl.
Recent Examples on the Web
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
To avoid nesting spoons, place some facing up and others facing down if needed.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
That glossy, gorgeous gravy gets spooned over cheesy grits for a fairly classic rendition of this Lowcountry dish.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spoon
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Noun
In addition to the disruptions caused by the ferry boat, the freedivers’ search was also hindered by evidence of eating and drinking on the lake in the form of straws, spoons, and various forms of trash and litter.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
To avoid nesting spoons, place some facing up and others facing down if needed.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
Place a wire mesh sieve over a bowl and spoon the onion mixture in to drain.
—Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
That glossy, gorgeous gravy gets spooned over cheesy grits for a fairly classic rendition of this Lowcountry dish.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spoon
Cite this Entry
“Spoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoon. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spoon
1 of 2 noun1
: a utensil with a small shallow bowl and a handle that is used especially in eating and cooking
2
: something (as a fishing lure) that resembles a spoon in shape
spoon
2 of 2 verb
: to take up in or as if in a spoon
Etymology
Noun
Old English spōn "a chip of wood"
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