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

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

The set also comes with a rack for hanging utensils and kitchen tools. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024

Rules include: finishing the entire burrito within 12 minutes, participants can only drink water during the challenge, utensils and hands can be used and no sharing, only one participant per burrito. —Mike Snider, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024

The 2023 iteration also featured an all-vegetarian menu served with fully compostable packaging and utensils and more eco-friendly initiatives. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2024

Like most of Le Creuset favorites, these plates can go in the freezer, oven, microwave, and broiler, and are safe to use along with metal utensils, too. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2024

The utensils gave these cooks the same control their Asian counterparts had enjoyed for centuries with chopsticks but were easier to master. —The Editors, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 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