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

One tablespoon of ghee covers 13% of your daily needs for vitamin A, while the same serving of butter covers just 10%. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 15 Jan. 2025

In this case, one tablespoon per gallon of water will do. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025

Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil all over the surface of the dough and into the dimples. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 14 Jan. 2025

In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025

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