Wooden spoon Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A wooden spoon is a spoon made of wood, commonly used in cooking. In some cultures (mainly British), 'wooden spoon' can also mean the last-place finisher in a competition.
Usage & Nuances
Literal: always refers to a physical kitchen utensil used for stirring/mixing. Idiomatic use as 'to get the wooden spoon' (British English) means finishing last in a competition—rare in American English. Not slang.
Example Sentences
Please stir the soup with the wooden spoon.
basic
The chef always uses a wooden spoon to mix ingredients.
basic
Be careful not to leave the wooden spoon in the pot.
basic
Grandma swears her soup tastes better because of her old wooden spoon.
natural
Our team finished last and got the wooden spoon this season.
natural
You can't beat how easy it is to scrape the bowl with a wooden spoon.
natural