flatware

English

Etymology

From flat +‎ -ware.

Pronunciation

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

flatware (countable and uncountable, plural flatwares)

1. (US) Eating utensils; cutlery, such as forks, knives and spoons.
   • 2003, Toni Morrison, Love, Vintage (2016), page 75:

     A girl without a nightgown or bathing suit. Who had never used two pieces of flatware to eat.

   • 2007, Benjamin W. Pearce, Senior Living Communities (page 118)

     Flatware should not be allowed to dry between presoaking and washing. It should be washed with the handles down and stored with the handles up.

2. plates, dishes and other relatively flat crockery.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:cutlery

Coordinate terms

• hollowware