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

That's linguine, cherry or grape tomatoes, a medium onion sliced thin, 4 cloves of garlic, also sliced thin, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 large sprigs of basil, and 4 ½ cups of water. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 May 2026

Start with only 2 tablespoons of water to gauge how thick or thin your paste is before continuing to add more. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 May 2026

Portion control matters, though, so stick to a half-cup of oats with 1 tablespoon of almond butter. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 30 Apr. 2026

Add 1 tablespoon mayonnaise to each half of the rolls and spread it evenly over the bread. —Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 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
• 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