utensil

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noun uten·sil \ yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl , ˈyü-ˌten(t)- \

Definition of utensil

1 :an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen

2 :a useful tool or implement

See utensil defined for English-language learners

See utensil defined for kids

Examples of utensil in a Sentence

participants in the class must supply their own writing utensils

Recent Examples of utensil from the Web

Other essentials include a manual can opener, cooking tools and fuel, and paper plates and plastic utensils.

— rebecca mcbane, South Florida Parenting, "Don't Wait for the Storm: The most important step in a Family Emergency Plan is to make one," 30 Aug. 2017
Stock up on plastic wrap, foil and disposable foil pans as well as dishes, utensils, paper towels and napkins.

— dan gill, NOLA.com, "How to plant cabbage transplants," 26 Aug. 2017
All serving tables, utensils and paper goods are provided.

— chris sims, Indianapolis Star, "How to score unlimited BBQ, beer near Indianapolis," 15 Aug. 2017
Two minor violations were cited for utensils stored improperly.

— andrew joseph, USA TODAY, "MLB ballparks get ranked on food-safety scores," 8 Aug. 2017
If these men were utensils, Eric would be a spoon, Hot Peter would be a fork, and Bryan would be a knife.

— elizabeth logan, Glamour, "'The Bachelorette' Season 13 Episode 11 Recap: And the Winner Is...," 7 Aug. 2017
The food is served on blue enamel plates and cups with the kind of utensils used for an outdoor dinner party, if that dinner party means camping outdoors.

— by ellise pierce, star-telegram, "Cowboy Cuisine: Why this cooking style still matters to these Texan chefs (with recipes!)," 2 Aug. 2017
Soavenira had sold all her kitchen utensils except one pot and a spoon.

— peter ford, The Christian Science Monitor, "Madagascar skirted famine – barely. Now, it's boosting resilience before drought returns.," 25 July 2017
Sharing food or utensils with someone who is contaminated could also spread the virus.

— sarah begley, Time, "Norovirus Is the Worst. Here's What to Know About It," 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'utensil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of utensil

Middle English, vessels for domestic use, from Middle French utensile, from Latin utensilia, from neuter plural of utensilis useful, from uti to use

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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utensil Synonyms

Synonyms

device, instrument, tool, implement

Related Words

apparatus, appliance, mechanism; contraption, contrivance, gadget, gizmo (also gismo), jigger; accessory (also accessary), accoutrement (or accouterment), adjunct, appendage, attachment

Synonym Discussion of 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

UTENSIL Defined for English Language Learners

utensil

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noun

Definition of utensil for English Language Learners

: a simple and useful device that is used for doing tasks in a person's home and especially in the kitchen

UTENSIL Defined for Kids

utensil

play

noun uten·sil \ yu̇-ˈten-səl \

Definition of utensil for Students

1 :a tool or container used in a home and especially a kitchen

2 :a useful tool

Word Root of utensil

The Latin word ūtī, meaning “to use,” “to possess,” or “to enjoy,” and its form ūsus give us the roots ut and us. Words from the Latin ūtī have something to do with use. To use is to possess and enjoy. To abuse is to use something incorrectly or unfairly. Anything usual is commonly used by many people. A utensil is a tool that is used for a particular purpose, especially for eating or cooking.