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

Use place mats or tablecloths on your kitchen table to keep food spills, condensation from drinks, and utensils from marring or staining the surface. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 May 2026

This four-piece organizer set includes two large and two small trays with adjustable dividers to customize compartment sizes for different items, from makeup to utensils to office supplies. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Strapped to the bikes are about 80 pounds of gear, including tools, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, tents and more. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

Bring a reusable thermos to your local coffee shop, which will keep your iced coffee cooler for longer while using less plastic, and pack your own utensils to avoid the plastic cutlery that comes with takeout. —Simmone Shah, Time, 27 May 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