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

Give your orchid a boost by spritzing its leaves with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a gallon of water. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2025

American Vanilla Buttercream: for stacking layers 20 tablespoons softened unsalted butter 2 cups confectioners sugar pinch of salt 1 teaspoon good vanilla extract Whip the butter until very light and fluffy. —The Enquirer, 3 Jan. 2025

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a small skillet over medium. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

Place 2 tablespoons of the seasoned oil into a wide, shallow bowl; add the chicken and turn to coat. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 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