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

Repeat with another 1 teaspoon oil and the remaining shrimp, but leave shrimp in pan. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

Before adding anything to the pot, whisk together a small spoonful of powdered milk with about a teaspoon of cornstarch. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Because chia seeds are high in fiber, Pasquariello recommended starting with a small amount, such as a teaspoon or less per day, before gradually increasing intake. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 20 Jan. 2026

Pour about a teaspoon of canola oil (or vegetable oil) into your hands. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 20 Jan. 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