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

Nutrition info refers to one tablespoon. —Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2026

Transfer the pork chops to a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet and drizzle both sides with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

Stir a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed into oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies. —Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026

Whip the cream with the 2 tablespoons sugar and fold it into the pastry cream. —Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 18 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