yüˈten(t)sə̇l noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English utensele, utensil collection of domestic articles, from Middle French utensile, from Latin utensilia utensils, from neuter plural of utensilis useful, from uti to use — more at use
1.
a. : an article useful or necessary in a household ; especially : an implement, instrument, or vessel used in a kitchen
household utensils
b. : an article (as a tool, implement, or vessel) serving a useful purpose
providing his chums with the utensils of smoking — Arnold Bennett
writing utensils
farming utensils
2. : a vessel, ornament, or furnishing belonging to a church ; especially : one used in religious service
consecration of the altar and its utensils
3. : a person that is useful or is made use of
a lackey and serf, the merest utensil of his master's will — Sir Winston Churchill
4. archaic : chamber pot
Synonyms: see implement