Ladle/ˈleɪdl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Kitchen Utensil Think of 'ladle' as a special kitchen tool often found in homes and restaurants. Every kitchen should have a ladle for serving soups. Pro Tip 2/3Large and Deep A ladle is larger and deeper than ordinary spoons to hold more liquid. He used a ladle to scoop the punch because it was deeper than a spoon. Pro Tip 3/3Serving Tool 'Ladle' connotes generous serving, often at social gatherings or family meals. Grandma ladled out her famous chili during the family reunion.