measuring spoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, leaning towards everyday/informal; technical in cooking contexts.
Quick answer
What does “measuring spoon” mean?
A small spoon of a specific capacity, used for measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small spoon of a specific capacity, used for measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
More broadly, any standardized kitchen utensil, often from a set, used to accurately measure small volumes of dry or liquid ingredients by volume.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical. Differences lie more in the standard sizing (metric vs imperial) and potential synonyms.
Connotations
No significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though UK recipes may more frequently use metric measurements (ml) while US recipes use customary units (tsp, tbsp).
Grammar
How to Use “measuring spoon” in a Sentence
[subject] uses a measuring spoon for [ingredient]Add [amount] with a measuring spoon.Level the flour in the measuring spoon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “measuring spoon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She carefully measured out the bicarbonate of soda with a proper measuring spoon.
- You need to spoon the sugar level, not heaped.
American English
- Measure the vanilla extract precisely using a measuring spoon.
- He spooned the spices into the mix.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The measuring-spoon accuracy was crucial for the Victoria sponge.
- She preferred a proper measuring implement.
American English
- This is a measuring-spoon job, not a guesswork job.
- He used a measuring-cup set.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in retail, manufacturing, or culinary supply contexts.
Academic
Rare, except in specific fields like food science or nutritional studies.
Everyday
Very common in home economics, cooking instructions, recipe blogs, and domestic conversations.
Technical
Common in culinary arts, baking, chemistry (lab), and nutrition for precise measurement of small quantities.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “measuring spoon”
- Using 'measuring spoon' to refer to a large measuring cup.
- Omitting 'measuring' and just saying 'spoon', leading to ambiguity.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'measuring spoons set' is more common than 'measuring spoon set' when referring to the complete kit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common sizes are 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon. Metric sets include 1 ml, 2.5 ml, 5 ml, and 15 ml.
It's not recommended for precise baking. A cutlery teaspoon's volume can vary significantly from the standardised 5 ml (metric) or ~4.93 ml (US) used in recipes.
It means using a straight edge (like a knife) to scrape across the top of the spoon, removing any excess ingredient so it is perfectly level with the rim, ensuring an exact measure.
Yes, but for sticky liquids (like honey), it's helpful to coat the spoon with oil first. For dry ingredients, it's crucial to 'level off' for accuracy.
A small spoon of a specific capacity, used for measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Measuring spoon is usually neutral, leaning towards everyday/informal; technical in cooking contexts. in register.
Measuring spoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeʒ.ər.ɪŋ ˌspuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeʒ.ər.ɪŋ ˌspun/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a common idiom source]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPOON that is strictly for MEASURING, not for eating soup. It's a tool for a specific task.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A CONTAINER (the spoon holds the exact amount). STANDARDIZATION IS A TOOL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a measuring spoon?