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

In the kitchen, there is nary a utensil that is more unsung than a trusty knife. —Izzy Baskette, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

But that’s not the case with all Affiliated Food’s suppliers —several have already notified the company of price increases because of tariffs, including bananas and canned tuna, as well as plastic utensils. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025

Before his death, Virgil Abloh had created some key designs for the home, including utensils for Alessi and chairs for Cassina, and in a way, his pupil Samuel Ross, who studied graphic design, is picking up where Abloh left off. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025

Here’s a real-world example: When your data says that some kitchen utensils contain surprisingly large amounts of dangerous chemicals, as happened recently, who is more likely to catch the mistake? —Dave Kung, Baltimore Sun, 6 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