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.
Add the softened butter a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 If cleaning the floor, add 3-4 tablespoons of OxiClean or another commercial cleaner to 2 gallons of warm water. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 Heat honey, 6 tablespoons of the butter, 2/3 cup of the brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium, stirring constantly, until melted and bubbly. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026 Coffee Makers and Kettles To clean a kettle, add 2 tablespoons of salt to a cup of apple cider vinegar and pour it into the kettle’s water bowl. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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 ¹/₂ fluid ounce or 15 milliliters

More from Merriam-Webster on tablespoon

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tablespoon

Nglish: Translation of tablespoon for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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