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

Colorful plates, glasses, and utensils will all help your setup fit the Big Game theme. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026

Of the 63 dead roaches, 40 were under a soda machine, six were on a glue trap on a counter next to single service to-go items (usually plates, plastic utensils) and another half-dozen under the microwave oven. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

In a room on an office building’s first floor, Nambiar and Nishchay Shah stood at their makeshift kitchen, an arrangement of pans, butter and utensils on a plastic pull-out table. —Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026

Hellrigl is responsible for the food at the conference, and her touch is everywhere — bamboo utensils, paper plates, plastic-free coffee cups — along with the fresh fruit and whole-grain veggie kiosks lining the hallways. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 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