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

Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a Dutch oven and add water to cover by 2 inches. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024

Whisk the 1½ tablespoons brown sugar, the cinnamon and cardamom in a small bowl. —Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2024

Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a shallow bowl. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024

Just before serving, combine red melting wafers and remaining 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a small microwaveable bowl. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 23 Oct. 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