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

Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard evenly on 1 side of each bread slice. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

Combine 3 cups 3/8-inch white bread cubes (either baguette or country white) with 2 large cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; toss. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 July 2026

Remove the butter when it is melted but not brown, and whisk in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

Add the spinach, cilantro, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper, and stir until incorporated, about 30 seconds. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 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