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Silverware: meaning, definitions and examples

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silverware

 

[ ˈsɪlvərˌwɛər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

dining

Utensils, such as forks, knives, and spoons, made of or coated with silver.

Synonyms

cutlery, flatware.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silverware

Appropriate in formal dining settings or when referring to eating utensils made of real silver or that have a silver coating.

  • The guests admired the family's antique silverware
  • She polished the silverware before the dinner party
cutlery

Used most commonly in everyday situations to refer to utensils such as knives, forks, and spoons, regardless of the material they are made from.

  • He took out some cutlery from the drawer
  • The restaurant provided quality cutlery for its customers
flatware

Predominantly used in American English, referring to eating utensils like knives, forks, and spoons, especially when these are made of metal. Less common than 'cutlery'.

  • She ordered a new set of flatware online
  • The flatware in the box was shiny and new

Examples of usage

  • Please set the table with the silverware before the guests arrive.
  • She polished the silverware until it shone brightly.
  • The silverware clinked together as she put it away in the drawer.

Translations

Translations of the word "silverware" in other languages:

🇵🇹 talheres

🇮🇳 चांदी के बर्तन

🇩🇪 Besteck

🇮🇩 peralatan makan

🇺🇦 столові прибори

🇵🇱 sztućce

🇯🇵 カトラリー

🇫🇷 couverts

🇪🇸 cubiertos

🇹🇷 çatal bıçak takımı

🇰🇷 식기

🇸🇦 أدوات المائدة

🇨🇿 příbory

🇸🇰 príbor

🇨🇳 餐具

🇸🇮 pribor

🇮🇸 borðbúnaður

🇰🇿 ас құралдары

🇬🇪 ჭურჭელი

🇦🇿 qab-qacaq

🇲🇽 cubiertos

Etymology

The term 'silverware' originated in the 19th century to refer to utensils made of silver. However, with the rise of more affordable materials, such as stainless steel, the use of actual silver for utensils has become less common. Today, 'silverware' is often used to describe any set of utensils used for dining, regardless of the material they are made of.

See also: silver, silverfish.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,755, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.