ladle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  2. verb put (a liquid) into a container by means of a ladle
  3. verb remove with or as if with a ladle

Etymology

From Middle English ladel, from Old English hlædel, derived from Proto-Germanic *hlaþaną (“to load”), from Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂- (“to put, lay out”), same source as Lithuanian kloti (“to spread”), equivalent to lade + -le (“agent suffix”).

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