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

The 12-piece set includes two frying pans, two saucepans with matching lids, a Dutch oven, a sauté pan, and two wooden utensils. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

Air fryers are made with a nonstick coating, and using any kind of utensil to scrape food from this surface will damage that surface. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026

Keeping your favorite utensils, ingredients, and spices handy on your kitchen counter is practically a chef’s rite of passage. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026

Dishwashers are a workhorse appliance that sanitize utensils, cookware, dishes, and more, saving you time in the kitchen. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 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