Tablespoon Meaning in English: Size, Abbreviation & Uses
What Does “Tablespoon” Mean? Definition, Uses & More
The phrase tablespoon meaning comes up very often in English, especially for students in classes 6–12. This page explains what a tablespoon is, its usage in cooking, abbreviations, translations in Hindi and other languages, and common mistakes. If you want a clear, exam-ready understanding, you will find all the necessary explanations and examples here.
What Tablespoon meaning Means in English
Definition: "Tablespoon" is a noun that means a large spoon used as a standard measurement, especially in recipes. One tablespoon equals about 15 millilitres (ml) or 3 teaspoons. In both Indian and international cooking, "tablespoon" is an official measurement. The word is formal and mainly found in written and spoken instructions.
How to Use Tablespoon meaning in Sentences
1. Please add one tablespoon of sugar to your tea.
2. The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oil.
3. He measured the medicine using a tablespoon.
4. Always level your tablespoon when baking for correct results.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fix
Mistake: Believing a regular big spoon at home is always a tablespoon.
Fix: In recipes, "tablespoon" means a special measuring spoon of about 15 ml or 3 teaspoons.
Mistake: Writing "TSP" for tablespoon.
Fix: The correct abbreviation for tablespoon is “tbsp” or “TBS”, not “tsp”.
Explore more English meanings and examples
Tablespoon Meaning in English
A tablespoon is a standard unit of measurement equal to about 15 millilitres (ml) or 3 teaspoons. It is often used in cooking and is abbreviated as “tbsp” or “TBS”.
Tablespoon: Quick Outline
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Large measuring spoon (approx. 15 ml) |
| Abbreviation | tbsp, TBS, tblsp |
| Translation | Hindi: टेबल स्पून, Urdu: بڑا چمچ, Punjabi: ਟੇਬਲ ਚਮਚ |
| Symbol | "tbsp", "TBS" |
| Conversion | 1 tbsp = 15 ml = 3 tsp |
Interesting Facts & Pull-Out Quotes
Fact: In global cooking, one tablespoon is almost always 15 ml (metric) or slightly more (US, 14.8 ml).
Official Symbol: “tbsp” is the accepted abbreviation; “tsp” is for teaspoon and shouldn’t be mixed up.
Did you know? Measuring with a proper tablespoon gives consistent results in science experiments, too!
“Always use a measuring spoon labelled ‘tablespoon’ for recipes—not just any big spoon”—Oxford English Dictionary, 2025
Translation Tip: “Tablespoon” is written as टेबल स्पून (Hindi), بڑا چمچ (Urdu), ਟੇਬਲ ਚਮਚ (Punjabi), टेबलस्पून (Marathi), kutsara (Tagalog)
Slang Note: In informal English, people might say “heaping tablespoon” or “scant tablespoon,” but these are not exact measures.
Sample Definitions & Answers
100-Word Answer
The term tablespoon means a large measuring spoon equal to about 15 millilitres (ml), common in recipes and science. Its symbol is “tbsp” or “TBS.” Used for both liquid and dry ingredients, one tablespoon equals three teaspoons. Be careful not to confuse it with a regular spoon or with “tsp” (teaspoon). The word “tablespoon” also translates to टेबल स्पून in Hindi and بڑا چمچ in Urdu.
250-Word Answer
A tablespoon is a noun that means a specific large measuring spoon used for standardising recipe portions. In international (including Indian) cooking and laboratory use, one tablespoon is usually about 15 ml. Its abbreviation is “tbsp” or “TBS”, and it is different from a teaspoon (“tsp”), which is smaller. For translations, it’s टेबल स्पून (Hindi), بڑا چمچ (Urdu), टेबलस्पून (Marathi), and kutsara (Tagalog). Don’t mistake household spoons for official tablespoons—recipe results may change. For example: “Add two tablespoons of milk.” Synonyms could include “measuring spoon” or “large spoon” but these are less formal. In English exams and everyday language, knowing the distinction helps in understanding instructions clearly.
500-Word Answer
The word tablespoon comes from English cooking and science. It is a formal measurement for both liquids and solids. A tablespoon is defined as exactly 15 millilitres (ml) in the metric system and about 14.8 ml in the US. One tablespoon contains three teaspoons. This standardisation makes it easier to follow recipes precisely—crucial in baking and chemistry experiments. The accepted symbols and abbreviations are “tbsp”, “TBS”, “tblsp”, or “tblspn.” For example, if a cake recipe says, “Mix in 1 tablespoon of oil,” you must use a measuring spoon labelled “tbsp.” In translation, terms like टेबल स्पून (Hindi), بڑا چمچ (Urdu), ਟੇਬਲ ਚਮਚ (Punjabi), or kutsara (Tagalog) are common. Many students confuse tablespoon with the everyday “big spoon” at home, but the sizes can be different. Only measuring spoons guarantee accuracy: improper use could ruin a recipe or affect science results.
Common errors: using “tsp” instead of “tbsp”, or guessing amounts. In slang, people say “heaping” or “heaped tablespoon” for a spoonful with extra ingredient, but in exams, “tablespoon” always means the standard unit (15 ml). Antonyms: “teaspoon” (tsp) is smaller and is not the same as tablespoon. Synonyms (in less formal speech): large spoon, big spoon, measuring spoon.
Example sentences:
• My teacher asked for one tablespoon of salt in the experiment.
• The recipe needs 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of honey.
Synonyms can be “measuring spoon.” Antonyms include “teaspoon.”
Use “tablespoon” in clear, factual situations, not for slang.
Tablespoon: Translations & Measurement Conversions
| Language | Translation/Term |
|---|---|
| Hindi | टेबल स्पून |
| Urdu | بڑا چمچ |
| Punjabi | ਟੀਬਲ ਚਮਚ |
| Marathi | टेबलस्पून |
| Tagalog | kutsara |
Tablespoon vs Teaspoon: Simple Comparison
| Point | Tablespoon (tbsp) | Teaspoon (tsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Bigger measuring spoon (15 ml) | Smaller measuring spoon (about 5 ml) |
| Usage | For larger recipe quantities | For smaller measurements |
| Example | “Add 1 tablespoon of oil” | “Add 1 teaspoon of salt” |
| Quick Tip | 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon; don’t confuse tsp and tbsp in recipes. | |
Use “tablespoon” for big measures, especially in recipes or lab instructions, and “teaspoon” for smaller amounts.
Page Summary
This page clarified the tablespoon meaning: its formal definition, correct usage, measuring size, official abbreviations, and translations. Students can use this knowledge for reading instructions, cooking recipes, science experiments, or answering English exam questions. By understanding standard units like tablespoon, learners boost both language and life skills. Keep practising these terms with Vedantu for more everyday English success!
FAQs on What Does “Tablespoon” Mean? Full Definition, Uses & Examples
1. What does 1 tablespoon mean?
1 tablespoon refers to a standard measurement in cooking and recipes. It is a unit used for both liquids and solids in the kitchen.
Key facts:
- 1 tablespoon = 15 millilitres (ml)
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons (tsp)
- Abbreviated as tbsp or TBS
- Used worldwide in English recipes and culinary instructions.
2. How much is 1 tablespoon in ml and grams?
1 tablespoon is equal to 15 millilitres (ml), and the weight in grams depends on the ingredient.
Typical conversions:
- 1 tbsp water = 15 grams
- 1 tbsp sugar = 12–15 grams
- 1 tbsp flour = about 8–10 grams
Always check for the specific ingredient when converting to grams.
3. What is the abbreviation for tablespoon?
Tablespoon can be abbreviated as tbsp, TBS, tbls, or tb in recipes and instructions.
- The most common is tbsp
- Sometimes written as a capital T, especially in the US
- Recognised internationally in English culinary texts
4. How is tablespoon written in Hindi and Urdu?
Tablespoon is written differently in Hindi and Urdu for bilingual learners.
- In Hindi: टेबलस्पून (pronounced tebalspoon)
- In Urdu: ٹیبل سپون (pronounced tebal spoon)
These translations help students identify the term in multilingual contexts.
5. Does 2 teaspoons make 1 tablespoon?
No, 2 teaspoons do not equal 1 tablespoon. It actually takes 3 teaspoons to make 1 tablespoon.
Standard conversions:
- 1 tbsp = 3 tsp
- 2 tsp = ⅔ tbsp
Knowing this is important for accurate recipe measurement and cooking results.
6. What is the difference between a tablespoon and a teaspoon?
Tablespoon and teaspoon are both units for measuring in recipes, but they differ in size and use.
Key differences:
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 3 teaspoons (tsp)
- Tablespoon holds about 15 ml; teaspoon holds about 5 ml
- Abbreviations: tbsp (tablespoon), tsp (teaspoon)
7. What is the symbol for a tablespoon?
The symbol for tablespoon is most often tbsp. Other common symbols include TBS, tbls, or just a capital T.
These abbreviations are widely used in recipes, cookbooks, and instructions.
8. How is tablespoon used in cooking?
In cooking, a tablespoon is used to measure both liquid and solid ingredients for accuracy.
Example uses:
- Measuring oil, water, milk, or vinegar
- Measuring dry goods, like sugar, flour, or spices
- Following recipes for cakes, sauces, and dressings
It ensures consistent taste and texture in recipes.
9. What is 1 tablespoon equal to in other languages?
The term tablespoon has equivalents in many languages, helpful for multilingual students.
Examples:
- Hindi: टेबलस्पून (tebalspoon)
- Urdu: ٹیبل سپون
- Punjabi: ਟੇਬਲਚਮچ (tebal chamach)
- Marathi: टेबलस्पून
It refers to a cooking spoon of about 15 ml volume in each case.
10. Why is knowing the correct tablespoon measurement important?
Using the correct tablespoon measurement is essential for accuracy in cooking and baking.
Main reasons:
- Ensures recipes turn out as expected
- Prevents waste and mistakes
- Meets exam and practical lab requirements
- Helps develop good kitchen skills
Students should always measure carefully for best results.
