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

Step 4 In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to make a slurry. —Joe Yonan, Saveur, 23 Jan. 2025

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder or a 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric root (grated or thinly sliced) 1–2 cups of water Optional: a slice of ginger, a dash of black pepper, honey, or lemon to taste Directions: Boil the water in a pot. —Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025

While the fer-de-lance’s venom isn’t the most toxic of all snakes, its sheer volume—up to 2 teaspoons delivered in a single bite—is more than enough to kill multiple people. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Garnish and serve: Divide soup among bowls; top each with about 2 teaspoons cooked bacon. —Renu Dhar, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing teaspoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

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