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

The World Health Organization recommends no more than 5 grams per day, while the American Heart Association suggests only 2.3 grams, about 1 teaspoon. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Add powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of the remaining pudding mix (reserve any remaining pudding mix for another use), and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; beat on medium speed until thickened and smooth, about 1 minute. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025

To make a single serving, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered cinnamon in an infuser and pour boiling water over it in a cup. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025

Add one-half of a teaspoon of baking powder for each egg a recipe calls for.7 14. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing teaspoon

• level teaspoon/tablespoon

Rhymes for teaspoon

• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn

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