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

• tool
• device
• instrument

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

And while most silicone kitchen gear withstands high heat, some cooking utensils are of lower quality and may degrade when exposed to high temperatures. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025

Bring a blanket, reusable plates, and utensils for an eco-friendly setup. —Emma Caldwell, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

All sorts of low-value items have fallen under the exemption, including small kitchen appliances and utensils, beauty products and apparel from companies like Shein, Temu and Etsy. —Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025

The victim told investigators the children were required to raise their hands for permission to go to the bathroom and werestruck with utensils, according to court documents. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 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