teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün How to pronounce teaspoon (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Add bell peppers, poblano peppers, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and starting to char, 10 to 12 minutes. Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025 Sprinkle both sides of chicken with 11⁄2 teaspoons salt. Sonal Dutt, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 Stir in 2 teaspoons of the honey and the paprika, and cook, stirring constantly, until the nuts are toasted and aromatic, 30 to 60 seconds more. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025 Mix together and add one cup flour, 1/2 cup of milk and one teaspoon vanilla. Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for teaspoon

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of teaspoon was in 1686

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Cite this Entry

“Teaspoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teaspoon. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

teaspoon

noun
tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün How to pronounce teaspoon (audio)
-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
: a unit of measure equal to ¹/₆ fluid ounce or ¹/₃ tablespoon or 5 milliliters

More from Merriam-Webster on teaspoon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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