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

These are clusters of four to five fresh, naked ginger pieces, so they don’t get dried out, and are usually exactly how much a recipe calls for, between 1 and 2 tablespoons. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Feb. 2026

Add 1 tablespoon of citric acid powder per 1 cup of hot water to a spray bottle. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 6 Feb. 2026

Soak the clothing item in warm water with a capful of dish detergent and a tablespoon of white vinegar. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026

Chia Seed Pudding With Berries Make this rich in protein and extra creamy by combining 3 tablespoons of omega-3-boosting chia seeds with one-half cup of unsweetened soy milk, and one-fourth cup of plain Greek yogurt to get some probiotic benefits. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 6 Feb. 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