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

Pour a few tablespoons of rice into the feeder and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to clean narrow necks. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025

Drizzle corn evenly with 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce; toss to coat. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025

To make a richer sauce, whisk in cold butter 1 tablespoon at a time, to taste. —The Know, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2025

Researchers suggest around 3 to 4 tablespoons (T) of whole flaxseed per day for at least 12 weeks may be optimal for lowering high blood pressure. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 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