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

Follow the same steps above for descaling with citric acid, but substitute 2 tablespoons of baking soda. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

Its nonstick coating scratched from white roommates using tablespoons to scrape generic long-grain onto their plates. —Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025

Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds provide around 10 grams of fiber. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025

Heat 2 tablespoons oil on high heat in medium skillet. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 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