Cooking Measurements

verb to hold something in the hands in a curved shape, like a cup

• She cupped her hands to catch the rainwater dripping from the roof.
• He cupped his hands around the warm mug of coffee.
• I cupped my hands over my mouth to stifle a laugh.
• The audience's applause cupped her heart with warmth and gratitude.

noun a small amount of something

verb to strike or fling something with great force

• The runner made a quick dash to the finish line.
• I need to make a quick dash to the store before it closes.
• Let's make a dash for it before the rain starts.
• Her dreams were within reach, just a dash away from becoming reality.

verb to multiply by two; to increase twofold

• The company's profits doubled in the last quarter.
• I just doubled my score in the game!
• He doubled down on his bet and ended up winning big.
• Her heart doubled in size when she saw the puppy.

noun a group or set of twelve

• The baker sold a dozen croissants to the customer.
• I bought a dozen donuts for the office meeting.
• Let's grab a dozen beers for the party tonight.
• She had a dozen excuses for being late to the meeting.

noun one of two equal or nearly equal parts into which something can be divided

adjective being one of two equal or nearly equal parts of something

• She only ate half of her lunch before feeling full.
• I'll meet you in half an hour at the coffee shop.
• I'm only halfway through my homework, dude.
• He was only half listening to the lecture as his mind wandered.

noun the act of dividing something into two equal parts

verb the action of dividing something into two equal parts

• The company announced a halving of its workforce in order to cut costs.
• I heard they're halving the prices at the store next week.
• We're halving the workload for the project so it's more manageable.
• The artist's halving of colors in the painting created a striking visual effect.

noun a small quantity or number

• The chef carefully measured out a handful of spices for the recipe.
• Could you pass me a handful of chips from the bowl?
• I only need a handful of minutes to finish this task.
• Dealing with a handful of difficult customers can be challenging.

noun a small, slender measuring device for liquor, typically holding 1 1/2 ounces

verb to alter or manipulate in a way that is not strictly honest or legal, often in a small or subtle way

• The bartender used a jigger to measure out the exact amount of liquor for each cocktail.
• Can you pass me that jigger so I can pour myself a drink?
• I can't believe he jiggered the results of the experiment to make himself look better.
• She had to jigger her schedule to fit in all of her appointments.

noun a unit or standard of measurement

verb to determine the quantity, extent, or capacity of something by using a standard unit or scale

• The chef carefully measured out the ingredients for the recipe.
• Can you help me measure out the flour for the cake?
• I eyeballed it instead of measuring out the spices.
• It's important to measure out your words before speaking in a heated argument.

adverb to a small extent; somewhat

conjunction used to indicate that a statement is only approximately accurate or valid

• The project is expected to be completed in six months, give or take a few weeks, more or less.
• I think there were more or less 50 people at the party last night.
• She's more or less obsessed with that new TV show.
• His explanation was more or less like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded.

noun a unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a pound or 437.5 grains or 28.349 grams

• The recipe calls for one ounce of vanilla extract.
• Can you add just a tiny ounce more sugar to the coffee?
• I'll only give you an ounce of information, don't tell anyone.
• She didn't have an ounce of doubt in her mind about the decision.

noun a unit of liquid measure equal to a quarter of a gallon or two pints

verb none

adjective none

adverb none

pronoun none

preposition none

conjunction none

interjection none

article none

• The recipe calls for one quart of milk.
• Can you grab me a quart of ice cream while you're out?
• I chugged a whole quart of soda last night.
• She poured out a quart of emotions during our therapy session.

noun a very small amount or quantity

• She added just a smidgen of salt to the soup to enhance the flavor.
• Can you pass me a smidgen more of that sauce?
• I only need a smidgen of your time to ask a quick question.
• His contribution may seem small, but it added a smidgen of hope to the situation.

noun a unit of measurement for weight

verb to measure the weight of something

• The scientist needs to weigh the samples carefully to ensure accurate results.
• Can you weigh these ingredients for the recipe?
• I'll weigh my options before making a decision.
• She had to weigh the pros and cons before accepting the job offer.

noun a quantity that can fit in the palm of one's hand

• The recipe calls for a palmful of salt to be added to the soup.
• Just sprinkle a palmful of sugar into the coffee, that should be enough.
• I always add a palmful of hot sauce to my tacos for an extra kick.
• She held a palmful of memories in her heart, never forgetting the good times.

noun a small amount or quantity

adverb to a small extent or degree

• The recipe calls for a skosh of salt to enhance the flavor.
• Can you add just a skosh more sugar to the coffee?
• I only need a skosh of ketchup on my fries.
• She only needed a skosh of courage to speak up in the meeting.

noun a very small amount or portion

adjective tiny or minuscule

• The scientist needed just a smidget more data to complete her research.
• Can you please scoot over just a smidget so I can fit on the couch?
• I only need a smidget of cash to buy that new video game.
• His patience was wearing thin, just a smidget left before he lost his temper.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun

• The chef carefully sliced the steak into little halves to ensure even cooking.
• I like to cut my sandwiches into little halves so I can enjoy them slowly.
• Let's split the pizza into little halves so we can each have a fair share.
• Sometimes it feels like my heart is broken into little halves after a breakup.

noun a small quantity of liquid that forms into a round shape before falling

verb to fall in drops or small quantities

• The scientist carefully measured each adrop of the liquid to ensure accuracy.
• I only need adrop of milk in my coffee, thanks.
• Can you spare adrop of your soda for me?
• Her kindness was like adrop of sunshine on a rainy day.