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

Their form and size appear to exclude the possibility that they were used as cosmetic utensils or medical instruments, according to the researchers. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

And of course, Lucaya is far from the first company to offer modular utensil sets. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2024

Their glazed interior also makes for a virtually non-stick surface, plus these are safe for the freezer, oven, microwave, broiler, dishwasher and metal utensils. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears With more big holiday feasts to come, upgrade your utensil collection with Amazon’s top-selling stainless steel shears. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024

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

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