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

Gagliardi suggests handwashing bottles, then soaking them (and their accompanying lids) in a mixture of two teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water for two minutes before air-drying. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2026

Add cheese, two eggs, ⅓ cup breadcrumbs, and ¾ teaspoon nutmeg. — Cate Huguelet, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Season the fish on both sides with 4 teaspoons of the blackening seasoning. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Transfer to a shallow dish, then add Parmesan and 1/2 teaspoon salt; drizzle with oil and stir to combine. — Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 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 ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ tablespoon or 5 milliliters