flatware

noun

flat·​ware ˈflat-ˌwer How to pronounce flatware (audio)
: relatively flat tableware
especially : eating and serving utensils (such as knives, forks, and spoons) compare hollowware

Examples of flatware in a Sentence

asked for inexpensive stemware and flatware for their wedding
Recent Examples on the Web The main metal mesh shelves would make a smart home for spices or pantry staples, while the smaller side basket can hold cooking utensils or your favorite flatware. Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2024 This organizer comes fully assembled, and since bamboo is naturally waterproof, spills and damp flatware will not damage it. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 2 May 2024 According to the listing, the contents of the home are being sold separately and include a 425-piece collection of Tiffany silver flatware, which is set to go under the hammer in New Orleans with Neal Auction Company. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2024 Award-winning chef Christopher Gross's restaurant is about attention to details, from chargers embellished with the chef's drawings to dishes served on a sculpted hand modeled after the chef's life partner to secret compartments for flatware, not to mention to food itself. Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2024 The restaurant quickly became known as a model for accessibility in dining, with modifications for wheelchair users, a menu in Braille and adaptive flatware. Lia Miller, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 Silver chests Silver chests often end up in thrift stores and garage sales because people don’t often store flatware away anymore. Clare Miers, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Affix them to the wall and use them for flatware storage, as planters for flowers, or as graphic art. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024 People use their fine flatware and want them more at arm’s reach, not stowed high away on a shelf in a musty box. Clare Miers, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flatware.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatware was in 1746

Dictionary Entries Near flatware

Cite this Entry

“Flatware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatware. Accessed 16 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

flatware

noun
flat·​ware ˈflat-ˌwa(ə)r How to pronounce flatware (audio)
-ˌwe(ə)r
: eating and serving utensils (as forks, spoons, and knives)

More from Merriam-Webster on flatware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!