What does tablespoonful mean?
A tablespoonful is an amount of something that fills a tablespoon. It is used especially in recipes and household instructions, as in adding a tablespoonful of oil or sugar. The word is more explicit than simply saying “one tablespoon” when the focus is on the quantity contained in the spoon. Its exact volume can vary because tablespoons are not always standardized across countries, and ordinary household spoons may differ in size. In British and American contexts, a tablespoon commonly holds about 15 millilitres, although some national and traditional conventions differ. In contexts requiring scientific accuracy, a stated millilitre measurement is more reliable. The related word tablespoon names the utensil or measure, while tablespoonful names its contents.
nounThe amount that fills a tablespoon, equivalent to one tablespoon. The precise volume can vary by country and by the size of the spoon used.
- An amount equal to the capacity of one tablespoon.
- The quantity filling a particular tablespoon, especially when used informally in recipes or instructions.
"She added a tablespoonful of olive oil to the pan."
"Pour a tablespoonful of the mixture into the blender."
"The recipe calls for two tablespoonfuls of chopped walnuts."
The standard plural is tablespoonfuls. The form tablespoonful's is also encountered, but tablespoonfuls is generally preferred in formal and instructional writing.
"Add three tablespoonfuls of water."
A tablespoonful tells you how much is in the spoon; a tablespoon tells you how much the spoon holds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tablespoonful come from?
Tablespoonful was formed in English in the 19th century by combining tablespoon with the native English word full, meaning “filled.” Tablespoon itself combines table with spoon, and spoon ultimately comes from Old English spōn, the stem of a utensil used for stirring or serving. Cognate forms include spoonful and the spoon element present in teaspoon.
Related word forms
How tablespoonful is actually used
Common in recipes, household instructions, and informal speech. Because tablespoon sizes can vary, precise culinary or scientific measurement may require a specified millilitre volume or a standardized measuring spoon.
Easily confused with tablespoonful
A tablespoon is the measuring spoon or the standard measure itself, whereas a tablespoonful is the amount contained in it.