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

Hellrigl is responsible for the food at the conference, and her touch is everywhere — bamboo utensils, paper plates, plastic-free coffee cups — along with the fresh fruit and whole-grain veggie kiosks lining the hallways. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026

The biggest was a rug, cooking utensils and a book valued at $2,633 from the United Arab Emirates. —Matthew Lee The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026

This can manifest in the form of apparel, bedding, kitchen utensils and bumper stickers all the way to collectibles, luxury watches, electronics and seasonal products like ornaments. —Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

Video published by the Associated Press showed people using whistles, kitchen utensils and planks of wood to make noise outside the building as others held up protest signs. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 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