ladle 1 of 2

as in spoon
a utensil with a bowl and a handle that is used especially in cooking and serving food the chef looked around for a ladle to add the chicken broth to the pot

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ladle

2 of 2

verb

as in to scoop
to lift out with something that holds liquid the server ladled out the soup from a large tureen

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ladle
Noun
Using a ladle, pour the hot pickling brine over the fruit, ensuring it is fully submerged. Faye Levy, Oc Register, 1 Oct. 2025 At the trendy, minimalist cafe, the staff uses a cast-iron kettle and a bamboo ladle. Rebecca Corbett, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
The highlight for many is the Clam Chowder Cook-Off, where local restaurants go head-to-head, ladling out samples for visitors to taste and vote on. Pismo Beach Conference, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025 Her legacy endures with the scarf-worthy burritos, burgers, smothered fries and tamales, most of them available with savory green chile stew ladled on top. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ladle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ladle
Noun
  • The set includes one large serving spoon and fork.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The kit, which comes in four colors—matte white, desert rose, matte black, and hazy blue—comes with a chawan (bowl) with a pouring spout, a naoshi (whisk stand), a chasen (bamboo whisk), a tea tray, a stainless-steel spoon, and a sifter.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Gently scoop out remaining bread, creating a hollow cavity, leaving sides and bottom intact; reserve for dipping.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Available in two hearty flavors, Chunky Chicken Stew and Chunky Beef Stew, this convenient scoop-and-serve format comes in a resealable tub that makes mealtime simple and flexible.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ladle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ladle. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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