Utensil
/juːˈtɛn.səl/noun
An implement or tool used for a practical purpose, especially in the kitchen.
Did you know?Utensil comes from Latin *ūtēnsilis*, meaning “fit for use,” from *ūtī* (“to use”) — the same ancient verb family behind words about utility, use, and practical power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
ūtī
“to use, employ, make use of”
Latin
Latin
ūtēnsilis
“fit for use, usable”
Late Latin
Latin
ūtēnsilia
“things for use; implements”
Old French
Old French
utensile
“an implement, tool, or vessel”
16th Century
English
utensil
“a useful implement or tool”
Modern English
English
utensil
“a tool or implement used for a practical purpose”