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"?>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

Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into your simmering soup for instant thickening power. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2025

Add to Yogurt Parfaits Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds on top of the yogurt. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 3 Dec. 2025

Whisk Worcestershire, garlic powder and remaining 2 tablespoons mustard into butter mixture until combined. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 29 Nov. 2025

Servings: one double crust or two single crusts Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for sweet pies) 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water Directions: 1. —Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 25 Nov. 2025

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