What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vessel
Example
The chef poured the sauce into a vessel and heated it on the stove. [vessel: noun]
Example
The sailors boarded the vessel and set sail across the ocean. [vessel: noun]
Example
The ancient Greeks believed that the human body was a vessel for the soul. [vessel: noun]
utensil
Example
The chef used a wooden spoon as a utensil to stir the soup. [utensil: noun]
Example
The hammer is a useful utensil for building and construction. [utensil: noun]
Example
The scientist used a microscope as a utensil to observe the cells. [utensil: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Utensil is more commonly used than vessel in everyday language. Utensil is a versatile word that covers a wide range of kitchen tools and implements, while vessel is more specific and often used in technical or nautical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vessel and utensil?
While vessel can be associated with a more formal or technical tone, utensil is generally more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
