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

No one wants to juggle a flimsy plate or fuss with utensils in a parking lot.

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It’s important for parents to make sure that the food they pack is accessible and that they have the utensils and napkins that they need, the dietitians said.

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Behind him, his wife hurriedly packed their belongings - torn clothes, old utensils and school books - into flimsy boxes.

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For meals, you’ll want to stick to things that are easy to make, easy to pack and require only a few utensils to serve.

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As the country heads into July 4th weekend — a national holiday defined by paper plates, barbecue sauce and a proud disregard for utensils — the sanctimony around “civilized” eating feels more than a little selective.

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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.