spoon-feed

verb

ˈspün-ˌfēd How to pronounce spoon-feed (audio)
spoon-fed ˈspün-ˌfed How to pronounce spoon-feed (audio) ; spoon-feeding
Synonyms of spoon-feednext

transitive verb

1
: to feed by means of a spoon
2
a
: to present (information) so completely as to preclude independent thought
spoon-feed material to students
b
: to present information to in this manner

Examples of spoon-feed in a Sentence

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.
Swift was shown spoon-feeding him, tongue in cheek, like a fussy baby in a restaurant. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026 This is not spoon-feeding the audience. — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 What motivates him, besides the discerning women who exist to spoon-feed him the harsh truths of life? — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026 Miles is spoon-feeding free-agent frontcourt acquisitions Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey on the pick-and-roll. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spoon-feed

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoon-feed was in 1615

Rhymes for spoon-feed

See All Rhymes for spoon-feed

Browse Nearby Words

spoon-fashion
spoon-feed
spoonflower
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

spoon-feed

verb
ˈspün-ˌfēd
spoon-fed
-ˌfed
 ; spoon-feeding
: to feed by means of a spoon

More from Merriam-Webster on spoon-feed

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spoon-feed

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