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

In a bowl or small bucket, combine warm water with ½ teaspoon of dye-free dish soap. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026

Add ⅓ cup of cornmeal, grated potato, salmon, oysters, celery, parsley, dill, mustard powder, pepper, cayenne (if using) and ½ teaspoon salt. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

Be sure the bathtub is sparkling clean—then, fill with lukewarm water and about two teaspoons of gentle detergent. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026

To reduce sugar intake, consider buying plain yogurt and adding 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or maple syrup, as well as fresh fruit. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 15 Feb. 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 ¹/₆ fluid ounce or ¹/₃ tablespoon or 5 milliliters