forkful
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɔːkfəl/
US
- /fˈɔːrkfəl/
Description
- one bite
- amount held by a fork
- a serving on a fork
- a small portion
Imagine piling mashed potatoes onto your fork and lifting them to your mouth. A forkful is simply the amount of food a fork can hold for one bite. You might take a large forkful of spaghetti or a small forkful of salad. The size often reflects how hungry you are or how carefully you are eating. A writer might describe someone taking huge forkfuls to paint a clear picture of eager, hurried eating.
A forkful refers to the amount of food that can be held and lifted on a single fork, usually for one bite. It is not just any food sitting on a fork. It suggests a portion that someone has picked up and is ready to eat. The size of a forkful can vary. A forkful of rice may be quite small, while a forkful of pasta or cake may look much larger, depending on the food and the person eating it.
The word often appears in descriptions of eating and helps create a strong picture in the reader's mind. For example, a story might describe someone savoring each forkful of cake, or struggling with a messy forkful of noodles. These details can also suggest something about a person's mood or manners. A large forkful may suggest hunger, excitement, or impatience, while a small one may suggest care, politeness, or a wish to enjoy the taste slowly.
This word is mainly used in a literal way when talking about eating food. It is a practical, everyday word, but it can also add detail and feeling to a scene. Overall, "forkful" names one small eating moment: the amount of food lifted on a fork for a bite.
Examples
- 1
Trying food
He took a forkful of rice and tried the sauce.
Pattern
a forkful of + food
as much food as a fork can hold
- 2
Eating salad
She lifted a forkful of salad to her mouth and smiled.
- 3
Parent encouragement
"Just one more forkful," his mother said, pointing at the vegetables.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- forkful