teaspoonful

American  

[tee-spoon-fool] / ˈti spunˌfʊl /

noun

plural

teaspoonfuls

1. the amount a teaspoon can hold.

2. a volumetric measure equal to 1/6 fluid ounce (4.9 milliliters); 1/3 tablespoonful. t., tsp.

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Spelling

See -ful.

Other Word Forms

• half-teaspoonful
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of teaspoonful

First recorded in 1725–35; teaspoon + -ful

Example Sentences

About a teaspoonful of the asteroid was sent to scientists in the UK.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2025

“This is just about the amount of a teaspoon. Less than a teaspoonful of dry anthrax in an envelope shut down the United States Senate in the fall of 2001.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2021

Another way to achieve this is by taking a page out of "Good Eats" host Alton Brown's book: Add a teaspoonful of mayonnaise to your scrambled eggs.

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2021

And we willingly eat honey, each teaspoonful of which represents the lifetime regurgitations of 50 bees.

From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2018

Later, when I was brought dinner, stiff cold porridge with a half teaspoonful of sugar, I refused to eat it.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela