tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün How to pronounce tablespoon (audio)
Synonyms of tablespoonnext
1
: a large spoon used especially for serving
2
: a unit of measure used especially in cookery equal to ½ 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Line another baking sheet with aluminum foil and brush it with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Repeat with the remaining burgers, brushing the skillet or griddle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil if needed. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Mosquitoes need only one tablespoon of water to breed, so areas like rain gutters, birdbaths or buckets with stagnant water are all possible breeding sites. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Adding a tablespoon of salt to the mixture will increase its effectiveness, but it is not required. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tablespoon

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tablespoon was in 1741

Phrases Containing tablespoon

Rhymes for tablespoon

See All Rhymes for tablespoon

Browse Nearby Words

table soccer
tablespoon
tablespoonful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tablespoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tablespoon. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tablespoon

noun
ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün How to pronounce tablespoon (audio)
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 How to pronounce tablespoon (audio)
: a unit of measure equal to 4 fluid drams or ½ fluid ounce or 15 milliliters

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