tablespoonful

[tey-buhl-spoon-fool]

noun

plural

tablespoonfuls 

1. the amount a tablespoon can hold.

2. a volumetric measure equal to ½ fluid ounce (14.8 milliliters), or three teaspoonfuls. T., tbs., tbsp.

Spelling Note

See -ful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tablespoonful¹

First recorded in 1765–75; tablespoon + -ful

Example Sentences

Spoon in the batter by the tablespoonful, and cook for about 2 minutes until browned and crisp on the bottom.

From Washington Times

On the center of each dough circle, add a heaping tablespoonful of the potato filling.

From Washington Post

Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

From Fox News

As I measured out the chile powder for the filling, I could almost hear Krissy urging me on, saying: “Go for it! Go for it! Add a tablespoonful.”

From New York Times

It was named the Milk River by the explorer Meriwether Lewis who described it as the “color of a cup of tea with the admixture of a tablespoonful of milk,” the result of suspended sediment.

From New York Times