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

Elevate your at-home culinary experiences with avocado slicers and lemon squeezers to meat thermometers, silicone cooking utensils and all the fun in between. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

They were mourned by three live roaches in a storage container with measuring cups and utensils and three living roaches on the shelf. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

This typically requires close or prolonged contact, such as kissing or sharing drinks, utensils or other items that come into contact with saliva. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026

The handwashing sink was partially blocked by cooking utensils. —Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026

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