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

And then maybe hold back on two tablespoons because that won't run the risk of messing up your filling at all. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 July 2026

Reserve 2 tablespoons of the garlic butter in a small bowl for the topping. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

Spread 2 tablespoons cream cheese mixture evenly over 1 side of each bread slice. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

In a bowl, create a paste by combining half a cup of baking soda and three tablespoons of water. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 4 July 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