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

And, indeed, another paper from 2018 found that flame retardants in black kitchen utensils readily migrate into hot cooking oil. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024

Keep in mind that this set is not dishwasher-safe and should not be used with metal utensils. —Lizzy Briskin, People.com, 14 Oct. 2024

France has implemented laws to reduce this waste, requiring fast food restaurants to move away from disposable, plastic packaging and utensils. —Ryan Browne,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024

These drawers fit modest gear like a slim cooktop, blankets, utensils and cooking tools, and low-profile cookware and dishes, but taller, larger items will have to find a place outside the drawers. —New Atlas, 7 Oct. 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