Definition of the word ladle

The origin of the word "ladle" can be traced back to the Middle English word "ladel," which appeared around the 14th century. The word is a combination of two Old English words: "hlæd" meaning "to load" or "to put in a vessel," and "læfd" meaning "a dish or container for food." In its early usage, a ladle was simply a container used for serving or carrying liquids or foods, often made of wood, metal, or horn. The word "ladle" is still used today to refer to a utensil used for serving soups, stews, and other liquid or semi-liquid dishes. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word "ladle" have changed. The Middle English word "ladel" was pronounced "hlaydl," while the modern pronunciation is "lădl." The use of the word "ladle" has expanded beyond its original meaning, as it is now sometimes used to describe other objects that serve a similar function, such as a "spade ladle" for serving liquids from large containers or tanks. In summary, the word "ladle" is derived from the Old English words "hlæd" and "læfd" and has evolved over time to describe a container used for serving liquids and semi-liquid foods. Despite its origins, the word and its associated utensil remain a familiar part of many household kitchens today.