# spoonful

/ˈspunˌfʊɫ/ (US) · /spˈuːnfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spoonful
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the amount of liquid or soft food that fits into a spoon. You use this word when you are measuring or serving small amounts of something.

For teachers: the quantity of a liquid or soft substance that fills a spoon. Often used in the phrase 'a spoonful of sugar' to describe a small addition to a larger quantity.

## Examples

- I added a spoonful of honey to my tea.
- The recipe calls for a spoonful of salt to bring out the flavor of the vegetables.
- While the recipe suggests a single spoonful of vinegar, the chef found that a slightly larger amount was necessary to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.