Search Dictionary
Definition of cutlery

cutlery

/ˈkʌt.lə.ri/
cut · le · ry

JUMP TO:

cutlery Lexical Profile

cutlery Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Hand implements, such as knives, forks, and spoons, used for preparing, serving, and eating food.

Example

"She carefully arranged the polished silver cutlery beside the plates before the dinner guests arrived."


2

North American Cutting instruments collectively, particularly knives used in professional culinary preparation.

Example

"The chef invested in a high-quality set of Japanese cutlery to ensure precise, clean cuts for his sushi."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cutlery

Word Nuance & Usage

In British and Commonwealth English, 'cutlery' encompasses all eating utensils (knives, forks, spoons); in North American English, 'flatware' or 'silverware' is often preferred for the full set, while 'cutlery' may be restricted to just cutting instruments like knives.

• Rhymes for cutlery

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'cutelerye', via Old French 'coutelerie', derived from 'coutelier' (cutler), which ultimately comes from the Latin 'cultellus', meaning 'small knife'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cutlery. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cutlery
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.