Ladleful
/ˈleɪ.dəl.fʊl/noun
The amount that a ladle can hold or that fills a ladle.
Did you know?Unlike words with occult roots, *ladleful* is a transparent English compound built from *ladle* + *-ful*, showing how English can create precise measurement words without any ancient mystery at all.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hlædel
“A ladle; a tool for dipping or scooping liquids.”
Middle English
ME
ladel
“A ladle or scoop used for liquids.”
Old English
OE
full
“Full; filled to capacity.”
Middle English
ME
ladelful
“As much as a ladle can hold.”
Modern English
EN
ladleful
“The amount held by a ladle.”