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

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium until foamy. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

Strawberry Pie 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and capped 1 baked pie crust 1 cup heavy cream, whipped OR 1 small carton Cool Whip Combine cornstarch, gelatin, sugar and water in saucepan. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025

Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and heat to shimmering. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 12 May 2025

Peanut Butter Two tablespoons of peanut butter deliver 8 grams of protein and some heart-healthy fats. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 6 May 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