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

Add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of milk, and teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026

For busy parents juggling nap schedules and snack time, knowing that one tablespoon of soap makes your spray significantly more effective is the kind of efficiency win that matters. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026

Spread a few tablespoons of sauce on bottom of baking pan. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026

Stir a tablespoon of chia seeds into your yogurt or oatmeal, blend hemp hearts into your smoothie, or toss walnuts into your favorite smoothie bowl. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Mar. 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