cutlery

cutlery — noun

1. the handheld metal tools used during meals — especially the knife, fork, and spo

1.名詞B1
釋義

the handheld metal tools used during meals — especially the knife, fork, and spoon — that people set out on the table or pick up to eat with.

例句

Before the guests arrived, Camille set out the polished cutlery on the dining table.

collocation: polished cutlery

The restaurant owner replaced the old cutlery with new stainless-steel sets.

collocation: stainless-steel cutlery

同義詞
  • flatware

    Common term in American English, usually for stainless-steel or metal eating utensils.

  • silverware

    Can refer to actual silver pieces or metal eating utensils in general; more frequent in US homes.

  • tableware

    A broader category that includes plates, bowls, and glasses in addition to utensils.

文法句型

a set / piece of cutlery

adjective + cutlery (stainless-steel / silver / polished cutlery)

用法筆記

In American English, the words 'silverware' or 'flatware' are more common for eating utensils; 'cutlery' in US contexts more often refers to cutting implements (sense 2).

常見錯誤

❌I need to buy cutlery for my new apartment — plates, cups, and bowls.
✅I need to buy cutlery for my new apartment
💡knives, forks, and spoons.' — Cutlery refers to handheld eating tools, not to dishware or glassware.

2. knives and other sharp-edged instruments designed for cutting materials in activ

2.名詞B2
釋義

knives and other sharp-edged instruments designed for cutting materials in activities such as craftwork, gardening, or leatherworking.

例句

The carpenter sharpened all his cutting cutlery at the end of each workday.

collocation: cutting cutlery

Renata stores her craft cutlery in a leather roll to protect the sharp blades.

collocation: craft cutlery

同義詞
  • blades

    Focuses on the sharp part of the tool rather than the whole implement; often used for interchangeable knife heads.

  • cutting tools

    A broader category that can include non-bladed cutting instruments such as wire cutters or saws.

文法句型

adjective + cutlery (sharp / craft / professional cutlery)

cutlery for [activity]

用法筆記

This sense is more common in American English and in professional contexts such as woodworking, tailoring, and leather craft. Unlike sense 1, it does not include forks or spoons — only bladed implements.

常見錯誤

❌The chef sharpened her cutlery before the dinner service.' (acceptable but ambiguous)
✅The chef sharpened her kitchen knives before the dinner service.
💡If referring to knives used for food preparation, 'kitchen knives' or 'chef's knives' is clearer than 'cutlery,' which in British English usually means tableware.