cutlery

UK: ˈkʌtləri | US: ˈkʌtləri

Definition

  1. n. utensils, such as knives, forks, and spoons, used for eating or serving food.

Structure
cut <to sever>lery <noun suffix denoting collective or trade>
Etymology

The word "cutlery" originates from the Old French term coutelerie, derived from coutel (knife), which itself comes from Latin cultellus (small knife). The morpheme "cut" reflects the primary function of knives (to cut), while "-lery" denotes a collection or trade related to the root. Over time, it expanded from referring specifically to knives to encompassing all eating utensils.

Examples

  1. The restaurant polished its silver cutlery before the grand opening.

  2. Modern cutlery sets often include stainless steel knives, forks, and spoons.

  3. She arranged the cutlery neatly beside each plate.

  4. The antique shop specialized in 18th-century cutlery.

  5. Eco-friendly bamboo cutlery is gaining popularity.