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 ¹/₂ 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

Mix four tablespoons of the alcohol and four drops of the soap into the one-liter spray bottle. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025

Fertilize tulips when planting in the fall by adding a handful of compost and about a tablespoon of bonemeal to the hole. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025

Brush top of dough with 4 tablespoons butter mixture. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

For example, instead of scrambling eggs in butter, try using a tablespoon of healthy oil, like olive oil or avocado oil. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Oct. 2025

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
• laocoon
• opportune
• pantaloon
• picayune
• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon

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