A tablespoon is a large spoon. In many English-speaking regions, the term now refers to a large spoon used for serving; however, in some regions, it is the largest type of spoon used for eating.
Measuring spoons, with the largest one representing the volume of a tablespoon.
left-to-right: Serving spoon Tablespoon (tbsp.) Dessert spoon (dsp.) Teaspoon (tsp.)
A spoon is a utensil consisting of a shallow bowl, oval or round, at the end of a handle. A type of cutlery, especially as part of a place setting, it is used primarily for transferring food to the mouth. Spoons are also used in food preparation to measure, mix, stir and toss ingredients and for serving food. Present day spoons are made from metal, wood, porcelain or plastic. There are a wide variety of spoons that are made of a variety of materials and by different cultures for many different uses and foods.
Wooden spoons, Betsileo people, Madagascar, 19th century
Sasanian spoon and fork (4th century)
Assorted spoons of the Roman world (British Museum)
Medieval spoons with seal top