tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün 

1

: a large spoon used especially for serving

2

: a unit of measure used especially in cookery equal to ¹/₂ fluid ounce (15 milliliters)

Examples of tablespoon in a Sentence

She carefully measured the flour with a tablespoon.

Add two tablespoons of flour.

The recipe calls for four tablespoons of milk.

Recent Examples on the Web

Add 3 or 4 sticks of cinnamon and about 5 pieces stars of anise (about 1 rounded tablespoon). —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2024

For sauce, combine 1/3 cup ranch dressing with 1 tablespoon dill pickle brine. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2024

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan on medium-high heat. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 5 June 2024

Just two tablespoons of Navita’s Organic Chia Seed contains a whopping eight grams of soluble fiber, more than one-third of your daily fiber needs. —Suzie Finkel Ms, Rd, Cdn, Health, 26 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tablespoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

Kids Definition

tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün 

1

: a large spoon used especially for serving food

2

: a unit of measure used in cooking equal to ½ fluid ounce (about 15 milliliters)

Medical Definition

tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün 

: a unit of measure equal to 4 fluid drams or ¹/₂ fluid ounce or 15 milliliters