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

Chef Pam’s classic pad thai recipe For the pad thai sauce 4 tablespoons ​fish sauce 15 tablespoons ​palm sugar​ 10 tablespoon​s tamarind paste 1 2/3 cups ​​water Simmer all together and mix well, then cool down. —Isabelle Kliger, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2024

Top each with blueberries, then top each with 2 tablespoons milk mixture; discard remaining mixture. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024

Brush furniture, as well as outdoor cushions and pillows, with one-quarter cup of borax and one tablespoon of dish soap in a bucket of water. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2024

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, vinegar and salt to taste. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 14 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tablespoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

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