utensil

noun

uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
ˈyü-ˌten(t)-
1
: an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: a useful tool or implement
Choose the Right Synonym for utensil

implement, tool, instrument, appliance, utensil mean a relatively simple device for performing work.

implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements
farm implements

tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Examples of utensil in a Sentence

participants in the class must supply their own writing utensils
Recent Examples on the Web The entire space is shoppable, from the dinnerware and utensils to the lighting and furniture, even the tiles used in the bathroom. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2024 In families the virus passed between married partners, from person to person through household contact such as the sharing of utensils, and from mother to child during childbirth. Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 Find it on Amazon A Narrow Silverware Organizer That Maximizes Drawer Space At less than three inches wide, this silverware organizer stacks your utensils instead of spreading them out. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024 The two-tier drying rack is big enough to store up to 14 plates, or support a mix of cups and large utensils. Rachel Simon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utensil 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utensil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, vessels for domestic use, from Middle French utensile, from Latin utensilia, from neuter plural of utensilis useful, from uti to use

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of utensil was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near utensil

Cite this Entry

“Utensil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utensil. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

utensil

noun
uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
1
: a device or container used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: an article serving a useful purpose
writing utensils

More from Merriam-Webster on utensil

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