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

Use a rasp and grate a couple of tablespoons right into the raw meat mixture before mixing. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Pour the sauce over the macaroni and toss, adding the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time, as needed, to thin. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Before eating them, soak 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 23 Sep. 2026

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 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
• importune
• laocoon
• opportune
• pantaloon
• picayune
• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon

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 ½ fluid ounce or 15 milliliters