cutlery

noun

cut·​lery ˈkət-lə-rē 

1

: the business of a cutler

2

: edged or cutting tools

specifically : implements for cutting and eating food

Examples of cutlery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each table is custom-made to mimic the Great Barrier Reef and set with elegant cutlery, such as steak knives with abalone shell handles. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Bring a reusable thermos to your local coffee shop, which will keep your iced coffee cooler for longer while using less plastic, and pack your own utensils to avoid the plastic cutlery that comes with takeout. —Simmone Shah, Time, 27 May 2026

And things such as cutlery, bowls and cups are, undeniably, an everyday commodity. —Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

The Household Cavalry, on dark horses and with brightly shining breastplates, trotted past, jingling like a cutlery drawer. —Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cutlery

noun

cut·​lery ˈkət-lə-rē 

1

: the business of a cutler

2

: cutting tools (as knives and scissors)

3

: utensils for cutting, serving, and eating food