utensil

noun

uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl 

ˈyü-ˌten(t)-

1

: an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen

2

: a useful tool or implement

Synonyms

• device
• implement
• instrument
• tool

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

Consider replacing them with this 24-piece utensil set. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024

The room was bright and airy, with blankets, clothes, cooking utensils, and suitcases piled up in one corner. —Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2024

All home cooks need a good spoon rest to place their stirring utensils on—including Mom. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2024

Organic buildup was inside of an ice chute, and there were utensils in stagnant water, the report said. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024

Handle and prepare food safely by washing fruits and vegetables well, cooking oysters and other shellfish thoroughly and routinely cleaning and sanitizing kitchen utensils and surfaces. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024

An official opening date has yet to be set for the other four locations due to decor, furniture and utensils being handmade and shipped from Mexico, which can lead to unforeseen delays. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2024

There is also some confusion about differences between an existing state law governing straws and utensils and the city’s law. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024

Plastic straws and utensils are too small for MRF technology to manage and essentially cannot be recycled into new materials, Stevens said. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

utensil

noun

uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl 

1

: a device or container used in a household and especially a kitchen

2

: an article serving a useful purpose

writing utensils