utensil

noun

uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
ˈyü-ˌten(t)-
1
: an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: a useful tool or implement
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In-use utensils used for food preparation or dispensing are not properly stored between uses. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Aug. 2025 So an employee couldn’t wash his hands before doing anything with food, handling clean equipment or utensils. David J. Neal august 1, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025 While plastic utensils are affordable, lightweight, and convenient, using them can actually lead to accidental plastic consumption. Laura Lu, Parents, 30 July 2025 Bring a travel mug to the local coffee store for takeout and silverware to the office to cut back on plastic cups and utensils. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for utensil

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of utensil was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Utensil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utensil. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

utensil

noun
uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
1
: a device or container used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: an article serving a useful purpose
writing utensils

More from Merriam-Webster on utensil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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