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

He was also surrounded by toy tractors and garden utensils. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 20 June 2025

This inexpensive knife sharpener sharpens, straightens, and polishes your beloved cooking utensils, extending the blade’s lifespan. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025

The most important elements of a tea ceremony are the interactions between the host serving the tea and the recipient, as well as the tea utensils, including the chawan (tea bowl) and the sweet wagashi (Japanese confections) served with matcha. —Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 12 June 2025

Plates and utensils from home will suffice at the beginning. —Geoffrey Morrison, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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

Rhymes for utensil

• commensal
• prehensile
• intercensal
• pencil
• stencil
• tensile

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