cutlery

noun

cut·​lery ˈkət-lə-rē 

1

: the business of a cutler

2

: edged or cutting tools

specifically : implements for cutting and eating food

Examples of cutlery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When designing cutlery, contemporary artists confront the tension that lies between functionality and personal expression in their work. —Caroline Newton, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025

If your dishwasher has an upper third rack for utensils, Sala says to lay knives and cutlery there to avoid safety hazards and free up space in the silverware caddy. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025

The photos in the menu show there are no paper plates as each course comes with actual crockery and cutlery whilst the mocktails are served in glasses. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Food inspires art—like this opulent Loewe clutch designed to resemble a tomato and this cutlery that’s almost too beautiful to use—and of course, the inverse is also true: Art inspires food. —The Bon Appétit and Epicurious Staffs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cutlery

noun

cut·​lery ˈkət-lə-rē 

1

: the business of a cutler

2

: cutting tools (as knives and scissors)

3

: utensils for cutting, serving, and eating food