utensil

[ yoo-ten-suhl ]

noun

1. any of the instruments or vessels commonly used in a kitchen, dairy, etc.:

   eating utensils; baking utensils.

2. any instrument, vessel, or tool serving a useful purpose:

   smoking utensils; fishing utensils; farming utensils.

utensil

/ juːˈtɛnsəl /

noun

1. an implement, tool, or container for practical use

   writing utensils

Word History and Origins

Origin of utensil¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English (collective singular): “household articles,” from Middle French utensile, from Latin ūtēnsilia, neuter plural of ūtēnsilis “useful,” derivative of ūtī “to use”; use

Word History and Origins

Origin of utensil¹

C14 utensele, via Old French from Latin ūtēnsilia necessaries, from ūtēnsilis available for use, from ūtī to use

Example Sentences

“When the dog licks the utensil, wash it seven times, and rub it with earth the eighth time,” advised one hadith.

From The Daily Beast

The beds are clean to an extreme degree, as was likewise every utensil in the kitchen, and the kitchen itself.

From Project Gutenberg

On coming back from her lodge, the outflowing current had carried off her valued utensil.

From Project Gutenberg

They have requisitioned every utensil that will hold water in the village.

From Project Gutenberg

There could be no other such in the palace, where every utensil was gold or silver.

From Project Gutenberg

Has anyone here lost a diminutive utensil containing, unless I am mistaken, a favourite preparation for the toilet?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appliance
• equipment
• fork
• gadget
• instrument
• knife
• silverware
• tableware
• ware