ladle

1 of 2

noun

la·​dle ˈlā-dᵊl How to pronounce ladle (audio)
Synonyms of ladlenext
1
: a deep-bowled long-handled spoon used especially for dipping up and conveying liquids
2
: something resembling a ladle in form or function
ladleful
ˈlā-dᵊl-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce ladle (audio)
noun

ladle

2 of 2

verb

ladled; ladling ˈlā-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce ladle (audio)
ˈlād-liŋ

transitive verb

: to take up and convey in or as if in a ladle

Synonyms of ladle

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of ladle in a Sentence

Noun the chef looked around for a ladle to add the chicken broth to the pot Verb The soup was ladled into the bowls. ladling the wine into cups
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
Whisk miso with a ladle of hot broth, then stir it back into the pot with soy sauce or tamari. — Ryan Brennan may 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026 Using a ladle, distribute egg mixture over filling (cups will be full). — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
Toppings are added, and sauce is ladled on in parallel stripes across the top. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Carefully ladle hot syrup over jalapeños until jar is full. — Jed Portman, Midwest Living, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ladle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ladel, from Old English hlædel, from hladan

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1532, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ladle was before the 12th century

Rhymes for ladle

See All Rhymes for ladle

Browse Nearby Words

ladkin
ladle
ladleful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ladle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ladle

1 of 2 noun
la·​dle ˈlād-ᵊl How to pronounce ladle (audio)
: a spoon or dipper with a long handle and a deep bowl used for dipping
ladleful
-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce ladle (audio)
noun

ladle

2 of 2 verb
ladled; ladling ˈlād-liŋ How to pronounce ladle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: to take up and carry in or as if in a ladle

More from Merriam-Webster on ladle

Nglish: Translation of ladle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ladle

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