ladle
/ˈleɪdəl/
NOUN
1. A utensil for serving or transferring liquids
A large spoon with a deep bowl and a long handle, designed for dipping into liquids or semi-liquid foods and transferring them from one container to another.
1.1. Kitchen utensils and food serving
Refers to a deep-bowled utensil used in kitchens to serve soup, stew, sauce, punch, and other liquid or semi-liquid foods.
Synonyms
- dipper
- scoop
- soupspoon
- spoon
- skimmer
Examples
- The chef skillfully used the ladle to pour steaming soup into bowls for the customers.
- In the busy kitchen, the cook reached for the large ladle to portion out the stew.
- She stirred the pot with a wooden ladle, blending the rich flavors.
- The hostess carefully dipped the ladle into the punch bowl to serve the guests.
- Each guest used a shared ladle to scoop their favorite dish from the hot pot.
Related Words
- kitchen utensil
- serving spoon
- sauce spoon
- cooking spoon
- serving tool
- bowl
- handle
1.2. Measuring and transferring small quantities
Describes spoon-shaped utensils or scooping tools used to collect and transfer measured quantities of liquid or other substances.
Synonyms
- dipper
- dessertspoon
- tablespoon
- teaspoon
- scoop
Examples
- She used a small ladle to transfer the sauce into individual serving dishes.
- The cook filled a ladle with broth before adding it to the mixture.
Related Words
- measuring spoon
- portion
- quantity
- serving
- measurement
- scooping
NOUN
2. A container for handling molten metal
A specialized industrial vessel used in foundries to collect, transport, and pour molten metal during metal casting operations.
2.1. Foundry and metal casting
Refers to a heat-resistant container used to transfer molten metal from a furnace to molds or other processing equipment.
Synonyms
- crucible
- pouring vessel
- molten-metal container
Examples
- The foundry worker carefully inspected the ladle before transporting the molten steel to the casting station.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A float or component of a mill wheel
A projecting board or float attached to a waterwheel that catches flowing water to generate rotational movement.
3.1. Waterwheels and traditional milling
Describes a board or float on a mill wheel that receives the force of flowing water and helps turn the wheel.
Synonyms
- float
- paddle
- blade
Examples
- The old mill wheel rotated as water struck each ladle attached to its circumference.
Related Words
- waterwheel
- mill wheel
- watermill
- hydropower
- millboard
- water flow
NOUN
4. A device for handling cannon ammunition
A historical instrument or ring-shaped holder with one or more handles used to carry or transport cannon shot.
4.1. Historical artillery and ammunition handling
Refers to a specialized carrying device used in historical artillery operations to transport cannonballs or other ammunition.
Synonyms
- shot carrier
- ammunition carrier
Examples
- The historical artillery crew used a ladle to carry the cannon shot during the loading operation.
Related Words
- cannon
- artillery
- cannonball
- shot
- ammunition
- ordnance
VERB
5. To serve or transfer using a ladle
To scoop up and transfer liquid or semi-liquid substances from one container to another using a ladle or similar utensil.
5.1. Serving food and liquids
Used when transferring soup, sauce, punch, or other liquid foods into bowls, cups, or serving containers with a ladle.
Synonyms
- scoop
- spoon
- dip
- dish out
- serve
Examples
- She ladled the hot soup into bowls for everyone at the table.
- The waiter ladled punch from the large bowl into the guests' glasses.
- He carefully ladled the stew into individual serving dishes.
Related Words
- portion
- distribute
- transfer
- dispense
- pour
- serving
5.2. Drawing or removing liquid
Describes scooping or drawing liquid out of a container, vessel, or enclosed space using a ladle or similar implement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- fill
- pour
Examples
- The workers ladled water out of the flooded boat.
- She ladled the remaining liquid from the container into another vessel.