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

Start with just a splash of blueberry juice (like a few tablespoons), taste, and adjust. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026

Turn off the heat and stir in the couscous, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Butter and Margarine Findings presented at Nutrition 2023 showed that people who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil a day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia than peers who rarely used it. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon to a small bowl; mix to combine. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 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