cutlery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cutlery" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to utensils used for eating or serving food, such as knives, forks, and spoons. Example: "The table was beautifully set with elegant cutlery for the dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a metallurgist called Harry Brearley who made the breakthrough, and in doing so revolutionised every cutlery drawer in the world.

The Guardian - Tech

Thus for most of recorded history, those not using chopsticks either ate with their hands, with cutlery made from metals that taste quite strong, or from other nice-tasting materials such as wood.

The Guardian - Tech

Then in 1743 the cutlers of Sheffield found a way to cover a layer of silver over copper, and so use much less silver to produce a whole canteen of cutlery.

The Guardian - Tech

That the rest of the world didn't adopt this remarkable invention is odd, especially when you consider that metal cutlery that didn't have a taste, took more than another 6,000 years to develop.

The Guardian - Tech

What made Brearley special was that he discovered it in a city renowned for its cutlery, and so he had the urge to put it in his mouth and see if it tasted of anything.

The Guardian - Tech

The average kitchen is full of stainless steel cutlery, pots and pans, not to mention the kitchen sink.

The Guardian - Tech

This made silver-plated cutlery even more affordable, and so the middle class could have silver, and eat with dignity.

The Guardian - Tech

Worse, the meal comprising a piece of chicken and one potato (served with metal cutlery which, presumably, it seemed wasteful to throw away just because of some terrorist stuff in the West) also had us thinking that the Kazantip rave would be as run-down and stinky as one of the parties all those cool, arty girls from south London's Elephant and Castle have in their squats.

The Guardian - Music

Our plan to eat a proper meal was promptly kiboshed in favour of a KFC, because eating a meal two-handed with cutlery at this stage is still an entirely alien concept to us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So it is really odd then, that on special occasions, people still get out their silver cutlery.

The Guardian - Tech

This is partly because the shine and glitter of cutlery are an important part of the experience of eating.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a formal event or setting, use "cutlery" to maintain a refined tone. In more casual contexts, "flatware" or "eating utensils" may be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "cutlery" to refer to a single item. "Cutlery" is a collective noun; use "utensil" or specify the item (e.g., "knife", "fork", "spoon") when referring to one piece.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cutlery" is as a noun, specifically a collective noun. It represents a group of utensils used for eating, as demonstrated by Ludwig with examples such as "stainless steel cutlery" and "silver cutlery".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cutlery" is a common and grammatically correct collective noun referring to eating utensils such as knives, forks, and spoons. Ludwig confirms that it's most frequently found in news and encyclopedia articles, demonstrating a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While synonymous with "silverware" and "flatware", "cutlery" is versatile for describing table settings or dining implements. A key point is to avoid using "cutlery" as a singular noun; instead, opt for "utensil" or the specific item name when referring to a single piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silverware

Refers specifically to cutlery made of silver or silver-plated materials.

flatware

A more general term for the same items as cutlery, often used interchangeably.

eating utensils

Broader term encompassing all tools used for eating, including non-traditional items.

table setting

Refers to the complete arrangement of items on a table for dining, including cutlery.

place setting

Similar to table setting, but focusing on the arrangement for a single diner.

tableware

A collective term including dishes, glasses, and cutlery.

dining implements

A more formal and less common term for cutlery.

serving utensils

Refers to tools specifically for serving food, a subset of cutlery.

utensil set

Emphasizes the collection or grouping of cutlery items.

table tools

A more general term that includes cutlery among other items used at the table.

FAQs

What is the difference between "cutlery" and "silverware"?

"Cutlery" is a general term for eating utensils, while "silverware" specifically refers to cutlery made of silver or silver-plated materials. Therefore, all silverware is cutlery, but not all cutlery is silverware.

What is another word for "cutlery"?

Common synonyms for "cutlery" include "flatware" and eating utensils. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a cutlery set"?

Yes, "cutlery set" is a common and correct way to refer to a collection of knives, forks, and spoons designed for dining.

How does the usage of "cutlery" vary across different cultures?

While "cutlery" generally refers to knives, forks, and spoons, some cultures primarily use chopsticks or eat with their hands. The term's relevance depends on the dining practices of the culture being discussed.