bouillon spoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical (culinary/tableware)
Quick answer
What does “bouillon spoon” mean?
A round-bowled spoon, slightly smaller than a tablespoon, used for eating clear soups or broth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A round-bowled spoon, slightly smaller than a tablespoon, used for eating clear soups or broth.
A specific piece of cutlery in formal place settings, often part of a larger set of specialized spoons. It can also refer more generally to any spoon suitable for consuming liquid-based dishes like consommé or bouillon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but its usage is more common in American English descriptions of formal table settings. In the UK, 'soup spoon' is a more common generic term, though 'bouillon spoon' is used in precise contexts.
Connotations
Connotes formality, fine dining, and specific etiquette in both varieties.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech; encountered primarily in catering, retail (cutlery sales), etiquette guides, and formal dining contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bouillon spoon” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] bouillon spoon [VERB] ...[VERB] with a bouillon spoonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bouillon spoon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The butler will bouillon-spoon the consommé? (Non-standard/very rare; standard usage is nominal only)
American English
- To bouillon-spoon one's soup is a mark of refinement? (Non-standard/very rare; standard usage is nominal only)
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The bouillon-spoon placement is to the right of the knife. (Attributive noun use)
American English
- She appreciated the bouillon-spoon elegance of the setting. (Attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the cutlery and hospitality supply industry for product specification and ordering.
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or cultural studies of dining habits and etiquette.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Most speakers would simply say 'soup spoon' or even just 'spoon'.
Technical
Standard term in catering, formal event planning, luxury retail, and antique silverware catalogues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bouillon spoon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bouillon spoon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bouillon spoon”
- Using 'bouillon spoon' to refer to a large, oval soup spoon. Confusing it with a 'tablespoon' (larger) or 'dessert spoon' (similar size but often oval). Mispronouncing 'bouillon' as /bəʊˈɪlən/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A bouillon spoon is slightly larger than a teaspoon and has a round bowl specifically designed for liquid soups. A teaspoon is used for stirring tea or coffee and eating desserts.
You would use it when discussing formal table setting etiquette, purchasing specific cutlery, or inventorying items in a catering context. In everyday life, 'small soup spoon' is perfectly understandable.
A regular soup spoon (or 'table spoon' in some places) typically has a larger, oval bowl. A bouillon spoon has a smaller, round bowl, suited to the smaller portions of clear broth often served in cups or bouillon bowls.
While designed for broth, it can be used for any food where its size and shape are appropriate, such as small desserts, sorbets, or sauces. However, in a strict formal setting, it is reserved for its namesake course.
A round-bowled spoon, slightly smaller than a tablespoon, used for eating clear soups or broth.
Bouillon spoon is usually formal, technical (culinary/tableware) in register.
Bouillon spoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːjɒ̃ spuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊlˌjɑn spun/ or /ˈbuːjɑn spun/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BOUILLON' as a 'BOUILL of liquid' – the round bowl of this spoon is perfect for a small, round cup of clear broth.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS FORMALITY (The specific name for a specific tool elevates the act of dining).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a bouillon spoon?