utensil

noun

uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
ˈyü-ˌten(t)-
Synonyms of utensilnext
1
: an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: a useful tool or implement

Synonyms of utensil

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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.
The screwdrivers were recovered from his car’s trunk, and are purported to be torture utensils. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Clean food utensils and articles are stored at both sides of the hand washing sink. — Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 The light fixtures, furniture, carpet, utensils and even the napkin rings all matched. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 The mainline handwash sink was being used to hold a strainer and utensils, and the bar handwash sink was being used to dump frozen drinks in, according to the inspector. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for utensil

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Browse Nearby Words

Ute
utensil
uter-
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Cite this Entry

“Utensil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utensil. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

utensil

noun
uten·​sil yu̇-ˈten(t)-səl How to pronounce utensil (audio)
1
: a device or container used in a household and especially a kitchen
2
: an article serving a useful purpose
writing utensils
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