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

The market had several unclean knives and food contact utensils stored on the shelves below the food prep table in the meat market. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025

Pediatric occupational therapist Keri Wilmot recommends introducing utensils as early as six to nine months. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025

Building on his family’s experience, Kinsey became a lifelong practitioner within the Urasenke tea school, building up a large collection of utensils, including stoneware bowls, tea caddies, bright lacquer trays, silk wraps and hanging scrolls, dating back to the 16th century. —Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

The pans are dishwasher-safe and scratch-resistant even when using metal utensils. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 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