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

Elbows bump, sauces splatter, and hands fly as everyone dives in at once, with no utensils and no formalities. —Renée Morrison, AFAR Media, 5 June 2025

Here's what Whirlpool and Finish say: Top rack: Drinking glasses, mugs, stemmed drinkware, plastic items (like food containers), small bowls, small plates and large utensils Bottom rack: Large plates, large bowls, pots, pans and silverware And now for the more divisive. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 May 2025

Unloading plates, cups, utensils, pots and pans after a clean cycle and putting them away is an easy way to achieve a quick win and a boost of energy having checked a chore off your to-do list, much like making your bed. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025

All that's needed is a character sheet, a writing utensil and a standard set of polyhedral dice. —Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 16 May 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