flatware
Forks and spoons
Flatware is eating utensils—knives, forks, and spoons.
The term distinguishes these flat or shallow items from hollowware like bowls and pitchers.
In American usage, flatware covers both everyday stainless steel and formal silverware: We registered for a set of flatware.
British English prefers cutlery.
Tined eating tool
- knifeSharp cutting utensil
- spoonEating utensil for liquids
- teaspoonSmall spoon or measure
- tablespoonCulinary volume unit
soup spoon · salad fork · dinner fork · dessert spoon · butter knife · steak knife · fish knife · serving spoon
Arranged utensils for dining
- three-pieceIncluding jacket, vest, pants
- serving setCoordinated tableware for meals
- canteenPortable liquid container
- chestRibcage region or strongbox
caddy · tray · drawer organizer · roll-up · charger · placemat · napkin · table setting
Occasion for nourishment
feast · course · appetizer · entrée · dessert · formal dining · casual dining · buffet
Pure silver alloy
- silverLustrous white precious metal
- stainless steelRust-proof iron alloy
- silver-platedCovered in thin metal
- gold-platedSurfaced with precious metal
pewter · titanium · bamboo · plastic · disposable · weighted · forged · stamped
Smooth by rubbing
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
- patinaSurface film from aging
- shineEmit or reflect light
- dishwasher-safeTolerates automated cleaning cycles
water spots · pitting · rust · discoloration · storage · cleaning · buffing · restoration
fork
Tined eating tool
tablespoon · soup spoon · salad fork · dinner fork · dessert spoon · butter knife · steak knife · fish knife · serving spoon · ladle
place setting
Arranged utensils for dining
- three-pieceIncluding jacket, vest, pants
- serving setCoordinated tableware for meals
- canteenPortable liquid container
chest · caddy · tray · drawer organizer · roll-up · charger · placemat · napkin · table setting
meal
Occasion for nourishment
banquet · feast · course · appetizer · entrée · dessert · formal dining · casual dining · buffet · reception
sterling
Pure silver alloy
- silverLustrous white precious metal
- stainless steelRust-proof iron alloy
- silver-platedCovered in thin metal
gold-plated · pewter · titanium · bamboo · plastic · disposable · weighted · forged · stamped · brushed
polish
Smooth by rubbing
dishwasher-safe · water spots · pitting · rust · discoloration · storage · cleaning · buffing · restoration · replating
heirloom
Inherited family treasure
everyday · casual · formal · weighted · balanced · ergonomic · durable · craftsmanship · hallmark · pattern
- warehardware, software, kitchenware, glassware, cookware
- stainless steelcutlery, forks, knives, spoons, pots
- designed objectschair, lamp, poster, vase, clock
- dining roomdining table, dining chairs, china cabinet, dining bench, buffet
- dining room itemschina, crystal, glassware, linens, serving trays
- diningroomtable, chair, chairs, china cabinet, sideboard
flatwarecookware
Food preparation equipment
pots and pans · bakeware · casserole dishes · saucepans · skillets
flatwarehollowware
Serving vessels with cavities
holloware · pitchers · tureens · tea services · coffee pots
flatwarehollowware
Serving vessels with cavities
dinnerware · dishes · plates · bowls · glassware
- silver flatwarePrecious metal dining utensils
- flatware setEating utensils as group
flat, ware, flats, wares, silverware, tableware, dinnerware