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

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt in a medium bowl; set aside. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026

Kanwal recommends applying at least 1 ounce of sunscreen to your body and 1 teaspoon to your face. —Allison Forsyth, Health, 20 Apr. 2026

An easy way to treat this disease is to make a spray using 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 a teaspoon of dish soap, and 1 gallon of water. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026

To do so, after unplugging and disassembling the humidifier and removing and rinsing the filter, fill the water tank with a gallon of water and one teaspoon of bleach. —Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 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