Utensil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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utensil

[juːˈtɛnsəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

kitchen

An implement, instrument, or vessel used in a household and especially a kitchen.

Synonyms

appliance, device, implement, tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
utensil	Typically refers to small hand-held tools used in the kitchen or for eating. She grabbed a utensil to stir the soup They have a drawer full of cooking utensils
tool	Refers to any handheld device used to carry out a particular function, common across various fields like construction, gardening, or technology. He used the right tool to fix the broken chair Their toolbox is filled with essential tools for home repairs
implement	Generally refers to tools or instruments, often used for specific tasks in farming, gardening, or technical work. The gardener chose the right implement for planting the seeds Old farm implements can still be useful today
appliance	Refers to larger machines used in the home, particularly in the kitchen, meant for specific tasks. The new kitchen appliance makes baking so much easier They bought a new appliance to help with the laundry
device	Refers to a broad range of mechanical or electronic tools, often used in technology or specialized fields. The technician used a special device to test the system Modern smartphones are versatile devices

Examples of usage

Make sure you have all the necessary utensils before starting to cook.
She grabbed a utensil from the drawer to stir the soup.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cooking

Any of various implements for holding something or for performing a mechanical operation.

Synonyms

appliance, implement, instrument, tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
utensil	Commonly used for items primarily found in the kitchen or associated with cooking and food preparation. Please grab a utensil from the drawer to stir the soup. A spatula is a useful utensil for flipping pancakes.
implement	Often used to describe tools or instruments used for a specific task, usually manual and not necessarily related to household chores. Can be used in broader contexts, including academic or professional settings. The gardener had several implements for maintaining the garden. Each worker was given the necessary implements to complete the project.
tool	Refers to devices or items used to perform a task, often involving building, fixing, or creating something. This term is versatile and can be used in various contexts. A hammer is a basic tool in any toolkit. They used several tools to repair the car.
instrument	Commonly used for scientific, medical, or musical items that require precision and specialized use. The doctor used a specialised instrument to examine the patient. He played the instrument beautifully.
appliance	Refers to larger electrical devices used in homes, particularly for domestic chores. The dishwasher is a very convenient appliance. She bought a new appliance to help with her laundry.

Examples of usage

She used a utensil to cut the cake into equal slices.
The chef reached for a utensil to flip the pancakes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'utensil'

The word 'utensil' originated from the Latin word 'utensilia', which means 'tools'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to tools or implements used for a specific purpose, particularly in the kitchen or household. Utensils play a crucial role in daily activities and have evolved over time to meet the needs of different tasks.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,088, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26088 utensil
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