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

• 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

Their interior side walls offer storage niche opportunities, or even the ability to integrate pull-out storage for spice racks or utensil storage. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025

In a world of excess and micro-trends in design, the continued reign of silver tabletop pieces—from utensils to champagne buckets—feels like a quiet ode to tradition. —Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025

Thousands of these artifacts are now on display, including cooking utensils, army muskets and signal lanterns. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2025

The spectrum of strong flavors were all amplified by the eating utensil they were created for — injera, a sour flatbread made with the ancient teff grain native to Ethiopia. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 6 June 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