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

By the beginning of the 19th century, however, service à la Russe, with course-by-course platings that required different cutlery for different dishes, was introduced to France from Russia. —Terry Ward, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025

The working factory educates visitors about the handmade process of molding and melting copper to create functional artwork, tea cups, cutlery, and various decorative furniture pieces. —Malik Peay, Them., 15 Dec. 2025

When your silverware goes through a cycle in the dishwasher, a chemical reaction occurs when things like your cutlery, detergent, moisture, and high heat of the cycle mix together. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025

The quickest way to elevate a dinner party, or, for that matter a steaming bowl of Top Ramen, is Sabre cutlery—and not just any Sabre cutlery, but tortoiseshell. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 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