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 ¹/₆ fluid ounce or ¹/₃ 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

Add an extra teaspoon for each arm or leg, front and back. —Kathleen Suico, Allure, 13 Apr. 2024

In a small bowl, stir together grated garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, coriander and red-pepper flakes. —Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024

Just a teaspoon or tablespoon of fresh ginger will add its signature sharp flavor that boasts sweet, peppery and citrusy notes all at once. —Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Half a teaspoon provides 530 milligrams of omega-3s (170 milligrams from EPA, 255 milligrams from DHA, and 105 milligrams from other omega-3s). —Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 31 Mar. 2024

Stir together olives, parsley, Worcestershire, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, coriander and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a small bowl. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024

Whisk together powdered sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt, and ¼ teaspoon salt until completely smooth (yields ½ cup). —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2024

Add mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Mar. 2024

Cook's note: To make Maple-Orange Glaze, in a small saucepan combine ¾ cup maple syrup, ½ cup orange marmalade, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing teaspoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

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