teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün 

-ˈspün

1

: a small spoon that is used especially for eating soft foods and stirring beverages and that holds about one third of a tablespoon

2

: a unit of measure especially in cookery equal to ¹/₆ fluid ounce or ¹/₃ tablespoon (5 milliliters)

Examples of teaspoon in a Sentence

She stirred her coffee with a teaspoon.

He measured the salt with a teaspoon.

She put a teaspoon of sugar in her coffee.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, beat the cream, remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and powdered sugar until medium peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. —Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

But Bell calls for just a teaspoon, which is here not for its flavor but instead for its pH level. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025

For the band part of headphones, which can absorb oils from your hair, Ek suggests dipping a cloth in a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of laundry detergent. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025

Add the Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and stir to coat. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing teaspoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

Rhymes for teaspoon

• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn

Kids Definition

teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün 

-ˈspün

1

: a small spoon used especially for eating soft foods and stirring beverages

2

: a unit of measure used especially in cooking equal to ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ tablespoon (about 5 milliliters)

Medical Definition

teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün, -ˈspün 

: a unit of measure equal to ¹/₆ fluid ounce or ¹/₃ tablespoon or 5 milliliters