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

And here is a helpful tip — a teaspoon of honey enhances the flavors splendidly. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey and 1½ teaspoons pepper. —Kate Williams, AJC.com, 30 Mar. 2026

Toss potatoes, carrots, fennel, garlic, rosemary, 1 tablespoon oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl, and then spread in a single layer on rimmed baking sheet. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Use a homemade mouth rinse of ¼ teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1 cup warm water. —CBS News, 27 Mar. 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