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

Remove from heat, and add 4 tablespoons of the butter; set aside. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025

One of my favorite ways to get fiber into my diet is to put a tablespoon of chia seeds in 30 ounces of water. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025

Bring parmesan broth to a boil and add a tablespoon of cold butter and blend with a hand blender. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Once your waffle is crisp, top with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter (4 grams of protein) and maple syrup to sweeten.15 10. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 18 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