teaspoon

noun

tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün How to pronounce teaspoon (audio)
-ˈspün
Synonyms of teaspoonnext
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 ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ 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
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.
Eggs are suggested as an easy entry point, using about a teaspoon instead of butter or oil to cook one egg for crisp edges and a richer flavor. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Fill the center of each cookie with about 2 teaspoons of marshmallow crème. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Coconut itself has been known to be full of nutrients, so naturally, some people swear that taking a teaspoon of coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach can have profound effects on energy and more. — Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 Next, add 5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for teaspoon

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of teaspoon was in 1686

Phrases Containing teaspoon

Rhymes for teaspoon

See All Rhymes for teaspoon

Browse Nearby Words

teasingly
teaspoon
teaspoonful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

teaspoon

noun
tea·​spoon ˈtē-ˌspün How to pronounce teaspoon (audio)
-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 How to pronounce teaspoon (audio)
: a unit of measure equal to ⅙ fluid ounce or ⅓ tablespoon or 5 milliliters

More from Merriam-Webster on teaspoon

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