To serve a portion of something with a spoon or ladle. Often used in relation to some experience or emotion associated with what is being served. A noun or pronoun can be used between "ladle" and "up." There's nothing more satisfying than ladling bowls of delicious homemade chili up for the whole family. The local restaurant has been ladling up pure comfort with its award-winning chicken soup. Here, let me ladle some stew up for you.