tablespoon

noun

ta·​ble·​spoon ˈtā-bəl-ˌspün How to pronounce tablespoon (audio)
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 Whisk together remaining 1 egg and remaining 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl, and gently brush mixture over dough, being careful not to brush eggs. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 Cook the fresh vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Drizzle the chickens with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. 3. Ali Slagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 Peel and finely slice the garlic, then place it in a large ovenproof casserole pan on a medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the mixed veg. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 26 Feb. 2024 And while scooping a tablespoon of magnesium into a cup of cherry juice and sparkling water won’t solve all your problems, especially if other underlying issues may be contributing to poor sleep, experts say the magnesium dosage in the drink is safe. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2024 Place cabbage in a microwave-safe bowl along with 2 tablespoons water. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, stir the remaining ½ tablespoon ginger into the yogurt. Ali Slagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 When ready to serve, beat together orange zest and remaining 1½ cups heavy cream, 2½ tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tablespoon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tablespoon was in 1741

Dictionary Entries Near tablespoon

Cite this Entry

“Tablespoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tablespoon. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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