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

Related article ‘Chaotic’ tariff regime and trade war are leaving small businesses in their wake Take Busy Baby, a small business based in Minnesota, which specializes in products that tether baby toys and utensils to keep them off the floor. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025

All the utensils are made of high-grade stainless steel and high–temperature–resistant silicone with a PVD gunmetal finish. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Eating utensils are built into the lid, and the whole thing is safe to put into the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave. —Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025

If somehow they had been left out for too long or contaminated before they were frozen—by a dirty prep area or dirty utensils, for example—the freezing process does not kill the pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. —Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 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