spoon

1 of 2

noun

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

spoon

2 of 2

verb

spooned; spooning; spoons

transitive verb

: to take up and usually transfer in a spoon

intransitive verb

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
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.
Noun
Keep your eyes on the pan and a wooden spoon in hand. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025 Simmer until mixture coats the back of a spoon, 1 minute. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Try spooning dollops of high-quality marinara over the top before baking for extra depth. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025 Whether spooned over fresh berries, blended into smoothies, sprinkled with crunchy granola or eaten straight from the carton, yogurt has earned its place as a go-to for breakfast, midday snacks or even dessert. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spoon

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English spōn splinter, chip; akin to Old High German spān splinter, chip

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1715, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoon was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Spoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoon. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

spoon

1 of 2 noun
1
: 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"

More from Merriam-Webster on spoon

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