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

Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, 1 piece at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce emulsifies and thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. 4: Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025

Scoop out dough with a (#24) cookie scoop or into 24 (about 2 rounded tablespoon) portions, and roll into balls. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2025

Drizzle the parchment with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. —Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2025

Beat together cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup butter, 1 tablespoon each lemon zest and juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 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