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 of utensil

• 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

The restaurant is bright inside, decorated with leather seating, wooden tables complete with utensils and napkins in mason jars. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026

The funding was unveiled earlier this month as part of a sustainability program started two years ago for restaurant operators to replace their utensils with reusable tableware. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026

Observed employee crack raw shell eggs then proceeded to touch utensils without washing hands. —Staff Reports, Florida Times-Union, 24 Mar. 2026

Elevate your at-home culinary experiences with avocado slicers and lemon squeezers to meat thermometers, silicone cooking utensils and all the fun in between. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

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