plural tablespoons
1
a
: a spoon that is used by cooks for measuring dry and liquid ingredients and that holds an amount equal to ¹/₂ fluid ounce or three teaspoons
She carefully measured the flour with a tablespoon.
b
: the amount that a tablespoon will hold : tablespoonful
Add two tablespoons of flour.
The recipe calls for four tablespoons of milk.
—abbr. tb., tbs., tbsp.
2
: a fairly large spoon that is used for serving or eating food
Cite this Entry
“Tablespoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tablespoon. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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