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

Soulmate Instead Reason Barista Wouldn't Make Woman's Coffee Order Goes Viral Hearts Melt Over Puppy Meeting Brother for the First Time vs 24 Hours Later Awe as Footage Reveals Golden Retriever's Adorable New Hobby Parmesan cheese has around 76mg of salt per tablespoon. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

Divide batter evenly among prepared wells (about 5 tablespoons each). —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2025

To make your drink, just add two tablespoons of the powder to hot water and whisk it until it’s fully dissolved. —Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

Research studies generally suggest that consuming 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) diluted in 8 ounces of water may offer various potential health benefits. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tablespoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

Rhymes for tablespoon

• afternoon
• forenoon
• honeymoon
• laocoon
• opportune
• pantaloon
• picayune
• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon

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