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 powdered sugar, almond extract, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt; beat on medium speed until ingredients are incorporated and mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 30 June 2025

Place tomatoes, beans, shallots, thyme, vinegar, 1 tablespoon of the oil, and 1/2 teaspoon each of the salt and garlic powder in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish; toss to coat ingredients. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside. 4: Add the wine, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the skillet, and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025

Add 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and 1 teaspoon salt. —Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025

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