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

Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the cut side of the sandwich rolls with the garlic butter, about 1 tablespoon per roll. —ABC News, 15 June 2026

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 15 June 2026

To substitute 1 tablespoon table salt, use 2 tablespoons Diamond Crystal or 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Morton Kosher. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026

Plants need only 1 tablespoon of granular fertilizer per foot of shrub height and width. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 June 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 ¹/₂ fluid ounce or 15 milliliters