utensil

noun

uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
ˈyü-ˌten(t)-
1
: an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: a useful tool or implement
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 As the tea ceremony gained in popularity, powerful warlords competed in acquiring the most coveted utensils, including braziers, kettles, scoops, whisks and the bowllike cups in which the tea was whipped and sipped. Paul S. Atkins, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024 The plant manufactures styrene monomer, an industrial chemical used to make plastics as diverse as utensils and insulation. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 These utensils come with a hanging shelf design and gold detailing, adding a chic and luxurious touch to your kitchen space. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 Who are these slobs?) 35% found plastic utensils and dinnerware a turnoff. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024 If your kitchen spoons and spatulas are weathered and stained, consider replacing them with this 11-piece utensil set. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2024 The proposed law the City Council is set to consider on Tuesday would give code enforcement officers the ability to impound equipment, including food carts or utensils, without needing to rely on county health inspectors, who enforce rules two days a week in Anaheim. Michael Slaten, Orange County Register, 12 Feb. 2024 Add the romaine leaves; use tongs or salad utensils to toss the salad, coating the lettuce evenly. Becky Krystal, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The 10-piece set is a fantastic starter option, and includes 7- and 9-inch frying pans, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, a 2.5-quart sauté pan with lid, a 5-quart stock pot with lid, and two black nylon cooking utensils. Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utensil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of utensil was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near utensil

Cite this Entry

“Utensil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utensil. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

utensil

noun
uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
1
: a device or container used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: an article serving a useful purpose
writing utensils

More from Merriam-Webster on utensil

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