table-spoon

A chef uses a table-spoon to measure vanilla extract.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large spoon used for serving food: A "table-spoon" is a utensil larger than a teaspoon, typically used for serving dishes such as soup, vegetables, or sauces at the dining table.
   • A unit of volume in cooking: In culinary measurements, a "table-spoon" (abbreviated as tbsp.) equals approximately 15 milliliters or three teaspoons, used to measure ingredients.

Usage Examples

• As a utensil:

  • Please pass me the table-spoon to serve the gravy. (A large spoon for serving food.)
  • She placed a table-spoon next to each soup bowl. (A utensil for dining.)

• As a measurement:

  • Add one table-spoon of olive oil to the pan. (A unit of volume in cooking.)
  • The recipe calls for two table-spoons of sugar. (A standard cooking measure.)

Advanced Usage

• "level table-spoon": a precise measurement where the ingredient is leveled off with a straight edge.

  • Use a level table-spoon of baking powder for best results. (A specific, accurate amount.)

• "heaping table-spoon": a measurement where the ingredient is piled above the spoon's rim.

  • She added a heaping table-spoon of flour to thicken the sauce. (An approximate, generous amount.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tablespoonful (n): the amount that a table-spoon can hold.
  • He took a tablespoonful of medicine. (The quantity contained in one table-spoon.)
• Tablespoon (n): a variant spelling of "table-spoon"; both forms are acceptable.

Synonyms

• Serving spoon: a large spoon used for serving food at a table.
• Cooking spoon: a spoon used for measuring or mixing in the kitchen.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms are based on "table-spoon" alone. However, the phrase "by the tablespoonful" means in large, generous amounts.
  • He added spices by the tablespoonful, making the dish very flavorful. (In large quantities.)