utensil
/juːˈtɛn.səl/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A utensil is a tool or object used for a practical job, especially in the kitchen or for eating. It can be a spoon, fork, knife, or other small useful item.
- Please wash the utensils after dinner.
- Use a clean utensil for the sauce.
Adinary Nuance
Utensil is broader than spoon, fork, or knife. It often refers to small tools used in cooking, serving, or eating. In everyday speech, people may say 'tool' or name the exact item instead. In Indian English, 'utensils' often means kitchen vessels and cookware.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đồ dùng
- Spanish
- utensilio
- Chinese
- 器具
- Japanese
- 用具
- Korean
- 도구
Etymology
Utensil comes from Latin utensilis, meaning 'fit for use'. It entered English in the late Middle Ages through French.
Common phrases
kitchen utensilcooking utensilutensil drawerutensil holder
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is utensil a common word in everyday English?
- Yes, but it is more common in writing and shopping contexts than in casual speech.
- What is the difference between utensil and cutlery?
- Cutlery means knives, forks, and spoons. Utensil is broader and can include other kitchen tools.
- Can utensil mean cookware in Indian English?
- Yes. In Indian English, 'utensils' often refers to kitchen vessels and cooking items.
- Is utensil used in business or academic writing?
- Yes, especially when describing kitchen items, equipment, or household supplies.