ladle
B2Informal and technical (for the noun); slightly formal (for the verb).
Definition
Meaning
A large, long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soup, stew, or sauce.
The verb meaning to serve or transfer a liquid with a ladle; also refers to a similar large utensil used in industrial contexts, like a furnace ladle for molten metal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun is common and concrete. The verb usage is less frequent, often used in cooking or serving contexts. Can imply generous or careless serving.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Some older UK industrial terms (e.g., 'teeming ladle') may be more regionally specific.
Connotations
None. A neutral utensil term.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SBJ] ladle [OBJ: liquid] out of/from [SOURCE][SBJ] ladle [OBJ: liquid] into/over [GOAL]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ladle out (to distribute generously or indiscriminately, e.g., 'He ladled out advice to anyone who would listen.')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in manufacturing (e.g., 'steel ladle').
Academic
Rare, except in historical or technical descriptions.
Everyday
Common in domestic and cooking contexts.
Technical
Specific use in metallurgy for vessels holding molten metal.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you ladle the broth into these bowls, please?
- He carelessly ladled the custard over the pudding.
American English
- Ladle the chili into each serving bowl.
- She ladled out a generous portion of stew for everyone.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Use the ladle for the soup.
- This ladle is too big.
- She passed me the ladle so I could serve myself some stew.
- Please don't use a ladle for the rice; use a fork.
- He expertly ladled the hot sauce over the enchiladas.
- The recipe says to ladle the batter into the prepared tin.
- Critics accused the government of ladling out funds without a coherent strategy.
- The foundry worker carefully tilted the massive ladle to pour the molten iron.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LADY using a LADLE to serve soup at a formal dinner.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LADLE IS A CONTAINER FOR TRANSFER (of liquids, but also abstract things like blame or praise).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'ложка' (spoon). 'Ladle' is specifically 'половник' or 'ковш'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ladle' for a small teaspoon. Incorrect: 'She stirred her tea with a ladle.' Correct: '...with a spoon.'
Practice
Quiz
In a metallurgical context, a 'ladle' is most likely used for:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is also a verb meaning 'to serve or transfer with a ladle.'
A ladle is a specific type of large spoon with a deep bowl and a long handle, designed for serving liquids from a pot or bowl.
Yes, it's used in industries like metallurgy for handling molten materials, and figuratively (e.g., 'to ladle out criticism').
In both UK and US English, it's pronounced 'LAY-dl' (UK: /ˈleɪ.dl/, US: /ˈleɪ.dəl/). The US pronunciation often has a clearer schwa sound in the second syllable.