utensil

noun

uten·sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl

ˈyü-ˌten(t)-

Synonyms of utensil next

: an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen

: 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Stir and remove your food with plastic, wooden, or silicon utensils. —

Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025 Advertisement Most norovirus cases are transmitted directly from one person to another, the CDC said, from actions such as touching food or eating utensils. —

Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Viral study on black kitchen utensils had glaring error, researchers issue correction Applebee’s: While Applebee’s locations will be open, hours may be reduced. —

Addy Bink, The Hill, 22 Dec. 2024 This can happen while caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them. —

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utensil

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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Utensil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utensil. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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Kids Definition

utensil

noun

uten·sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl

: a device or container used in a household and especially a kitchen

: an article serving a useful purpose

writing utensils

Last Updated: 8 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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utensil

noun

Synonyms

Examples of utensil in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near utensil

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition