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.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in pan and add mushrooms, onion, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 Just 10 mL of methanol (two teaspoons) can cause permanent blindness and kidney failure, while a larger dose can be fatal. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026 Arrange on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with 1 teaspoon fine salt and let stand 30 minutes. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 And many people feel a teaspoon of honey or perhaps tea with honey can soothe a scratchy throat. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for teaspoon

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