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 stainless steel rest not only has a slot for holding cooking utensils like ladles, spatulas, or spoons, but it’s also designed with a special slot to hold pot and pan lids. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025

Dirty utensils stored as clean hung on the kitchen wall. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 7 Dec. 2025

Do not use household knives or other kitchen utensils. —Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Dec. 2025

Some people seal their wooden utensils and cutting boards with a conditioning oil to keep them in top shape for years to come. —Brittany Leitner, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 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