teaspoon
B1Neutral to informal in social contexts; precise/technical in culinary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A small spoon used typically for adding sugar to, or stirring hot drinks like tea or coffee, and as a standard unit of measurement in cooking.
A unit of volume in cooking recipes, equal to about 5 millilitres. The term can also refer to the amount a teaspoon holds.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun referring to an object or a measurement. Rarely used as a verb ('to teaspoon' meaning to add or measure with a teaspoon).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The abbreviation 'tsp' is standard in recipes in both regions.
Connotations
Evokes domestic, everyday activity (making a hot drink, baking). In the UK, may have stronger association with the ritual of tea-making.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + teaspoon + of + [ingredient] (e.g., Add a teaspoon of vanilla)[Number] + teaspoon(s) + [ingredient] (e.g., two teaspoons baking powder)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth (refers to spoon, not specifically teaspoon)”
- “Not my cup of tea (related semantic field)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in retail for flatware or catering supplies.
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies of domestic life.
Everyday
Very high frequency in domestic and cooking contexts.
Technical
Standard precise measurement in culinary science, chemistry (lab), and pharmacy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you teaspoon the sugar into the bowl for me?
- She carefully teaspooned the medicine.
American English
- Just teaspoon the cinnamon over the top.
- The recipe says to teaspoon the baking soda in last.
adjective
British English
- The teaspoon measurement is crucial for the recipe.
- A teaspoon holder stood in the middle of the table.
American English
- Use the teaspoon amount listed, not the tablespoon.
- The teaspoon slot in the drawer is full.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need a teaspoon for my tea.
- Add one teaspoon of sugar.
- Could you pass me a teaspoon, please? The recipe requires two teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- A teaspoon of honey can help soothe a sore throat.
- He absent-mindedly stirred his coffee with a teaspoon, lost in thought.
- The instructions clearly state 'one level teaspoon', not a heaped one.
- The pharmacist measured the powder with a precise laboratory teaspoon.
- Her critique was delivered with a teaspoon of sarcasm, making it all the more biting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TEA' + 'SPOON' - the spoon you use for your TEA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL AMOUNT / PRECISION (e.g., 'Just add a teaspoon of diplomacy to the conversation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: 'ложка' is a general 'spoon'. Specify 'чайная ложка' for 'teaspoon' and 'столовая ложка' for 'tablespoon'.
- Confusing the abbreviation 'tsp' (teaspoon) with 'tbsp' (tablespoon) in recipes.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'spoon' instead of 'teaspoon' for precise measurement.
- Confusing 'teaspoon' (5ml) with 'tablespoon' (15ml).
- Misspelling as 'teaspon' or 'teaspon'.
- Incorrect plural: 'teaspoon' -> 'teaspoons' (not 'teaspoon' for plural).
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard volume of one teaspoon in millilitres?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very rare but possible, meaning 'to add or measure using a teaspoon'. It's more common to say 'add a teaspoon of'.
A teaspoon is smaller, holding about 5ml. A tablespoon is larger, holding about 15ml (3 teaspoons).
The standard abbreviation is 'tsp' (plural 'tsps' or 'tsp.').
Metaphorically, it can refer to a small amount of something non-physical (e.g., 'a teaspoon of hope'). Otherwise, its meaning is quite literal.