tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün 

1

: a large spoon used especially for serving

2

: a unit of measure used especially in cookery equal to ½ fluid ounce (15 milliliters)

Examples of tablespoon in a Sentence

She carefully measured the flour with a tablespoon.

Add two tablespoons of flour.

The recipe calls for four tablespoons of milk.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the bowl of stand mixer (or large bowl, if using a hand mixer), put 3/4 cup (144g) sugar and grate the zest of both lemons over (about 1 tablespoon). — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Add 1 tablespoon butter to bacon drippings in skillet over medium-high. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026

Measure out 1-2 tablespoons (depending on the clothing’s soil level and the size of your sink) and add it to the warm water. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026

And 3 tablespoons of sunflower seeds provide about 100 mg of magnesium and 6 g of protein. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tablespoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

Rhymes for tablespoon

• afternoon
• forenoon
• honeymoon
• importune
• laocoon
• opportune
• pantaloon
• picayune
• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon

Kids Definition

tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün 

1

: a large spoon used especially for serving food

2

: a unit of measure used in cooking equal to ½ fluid ounce (about 15 milliliters)

Medical Definition

tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün 

: a unit of measure equal to 4 fluid drams or ½ fluid ounce or 15 milliliters