Teaspoon - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

kitchen measurement

A teaspoon is a small spoon used primarily for stirring and sipping beverages or measuring ingredients. In cooking, it is a unit of measurement equivalent to about 5 milliliters. Teaspoons are commonly used for adding precise amounts of ingredients, such as sugar or spices, to recipes. The term can also refer to the act of using a teaspoon to serve or eat food.

Synonyms

measure spoon, small spoon.

Examples of usage

Add one teaspoon of sugar to the tea.
The recipe calls for two teaspoons of vanilla extract.
She stirred her coffee with a silver teaspoon.
I measured the flour with a teaspoon.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

Teaspoons are often used not just for tea, but for measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
They can also be used for serving condiments, like mustard or jam, at the table.
In many recipes, ingredients are measured in teaspoons, making it one of the most common utensils in kitchens.

Pop Culture

Teaspoons often appear in popular cooking shows, symbolizing measuring and precision in recipes.
The 'teaspoon' has been humorously referenced in various sitcoms, usually to highlight a character’s cooking skills or lack thereof.
In children's stories, small spoons like teaspoons are often featured in tea parties, showcasing fun and fancy play.

Science

In scientific studies, teaspoons are sometimes used to measure doses of substances like medicine or ingredients.
The volume of a teaspoon may vary slightly by country; for example, the US and UK have different sizes for a teaspoon.
Teaspoons can also be used in laboratory settings to measure small quantities of liquids or powders.

History

In the past, teaspoons were often engraved with family crests, making them treasured heirlooms.
The first 'modern' teaspoons were made in the 1600s, originally crafted from silver.
The design of teaspoons has changed over the centuries, reflecting the artistry and tastes of various periods.

Origin of 'teaspoon'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the combination of 'tea' and 'spoon', first recorded in English around the 18th century.
Before 'teaspoon', people used different sizes of spoons, which often didn't have standard measurements.
The size of a teaspoon has been standardized in many countries – it usually holds about 5 milliliters.

The word 'teaspoon' has its origins traced back to the 17th century. It is a compound word formed from 'tea', which refers to the beverage that became popular in England during that period, and 'spoon', derived from the Old English 'spōn', meaning 'chip' or 'splinter' of wood. Initially, teaspoons were used for serving tea and other liquids. Over time, the term became standardized to refer to the specific measurement used in cooking and baking. The teaspoon has evolved in both design and material—from simple wooden spoons to stainless steel and plastic variations, and it remains a common tool in kitchens around the world. By the 19th century, the standardized size of teaspoons began to be recognized in recipes, solidifying its role in culinary practices.

Teaspoon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations