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

Cutting down on car trips, refusing disposable utensils with takeout, growing your own food—these are all miniscule drops in the bucket when it comes to reversing the effects of greenhouse gases and deforestation.

From Popular-Science

That way you’re minimizing the number of people who are having contact with the food and the utensils versus passing it around the table or having everyone line up or go through a buffet.

From Popular-Science

The three-layer interior can withstand the scrap of metal utensils, which is unique for nonstick cookware.

From Popular-Science

Two open cubbies allow you to store notebooks, writing utensils, and papers for easy access and minimal clutter.

From Popular-Science

While sharing food or utensils could theoretically pose a risk for infection, no clusters have been linked to eating itself.

From Science News

“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

When To Use

What are other ways to say utensil?

A utensil refers to any instrument or vessel serving a useful purpose, especially those commonly used in a kitchen. When should you use this noun over tool, instrument, or implement? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.