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

Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons pickle brine, onion powder, and paprika until combined. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2026

Just cut a lemon in half, remove the seeds, and squeeze a tablespoon of toothpaste on each half. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2026

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the oil over the top and transfer to the oven. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the reserved marinade over the noodles and toss to coat (this will help prevent them from sticking). — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 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 ½ fluid ounce or 15 milliliters