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

Flip tortillas; scatter 2 tablespoons of the cheese over one half of toasted side. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 5 July 2025

Fill the pan with water and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 July 2025

Evenly spread 2 scant tablespoons of the spicy sour cream on top of the tostada. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025

Sanitize with a vinegar solution or a diluted bleach rinse (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water). —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 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