teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün 

-ˈspün

1

: a small spoon that is used especially for eating soft foods and stirring beverages and that holds about one third of a tablespoon

2

: a unit of measure especially in cookery equal to ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ tablespoon (5 milliliters)

Examples of teaspoon in a Sentence

She stirred her coffee with a teaspoon.

He measured the salt with a teaspoon.

She put a teaspoon of sugar in her coffee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some protein powder supplements have almost 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of sugar per scoop. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2026

Stir in 1 teaspoon of the sugar, taste and cautiously add more by the 1/2 teaspoon if needed to round out the flavors. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, then transfer to a small bowl. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Place in the air fryer basket, lightly spray all over with olive oil, and season evenly with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing teaspoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

Rhymes for teaspoon

• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn

Kids Definition

teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün 

-ˈspün

1

: a small spoon used especially for eating soft foods and stirring beverages

2

: a unit of measure used especially in cooking equal to ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ tablespoon (about 5 milliliters)

Medical Definition

teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün, -ˈspün 

: a unit of measure equal to ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ tablespoon or 5 milliliters