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

The Test Kitchen tests recipes using large eggs which measure about 3 1/2 tablespoons per egg. —Jan Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024

Brush eggplant slices with about 1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. —Yakir Levy, Orange County Register, 11 Apr. 2024

In a medium pot, heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil over medium-high. —Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024

For large empanadas, place about 1/3 cup of filling in the center of the dough circle; for small empanadas, use about 2 tablespoons. —Gretchen McKay, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024

Cook onion and apple: Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium. —Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024

In a medium-size bowl mix red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon basil, oregano and pepper. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 30 Mar. 2024

Then, scoop 1 tablespoon of baking soda in each cup. —Annie Colbert, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2024

For savory dishes, try mixing a tablespoon of mayo with a tablespoon of full-fat Greek yogurt. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tablespoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

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