3 syllables: Cut, ler, y. Stress on Cut.
KUHT-lur-ee
/ˈkʌtlɚi/
Cutlery is pronounced KUHT-lur-ee (/ˈkʌtlɚi/). It has three syllables (Cut-ler-y), with the stress on "Cut". Cutlery is a collective noun referring to objects used for eating, such as knives, forks, and spoons. It typically denotes the implements found on a dining table, made of metal or sometimes plastic, and used to prepare and consume food. The term emphasizes utensils as a set rather than individual pieces.
nounCutlery is a collective noun referring to objects used for eating, such as knives, forks, and spoons. It typically denotes the implements found on a dining table, made of metal or sometimes plastic, and used to prepare and consume food. The term emphasizes utensils as a set rather than individual pieces.
"We polished the cutlery before the guest arrived."
"The restaurant offers a wide range of cutlery in stainless steel."
"Please return your cutlery to the tray after you finish, and wash your hands."
/ˈkʌt.lə.ɹi/ in General American or /ˈkʌt.lɪ.ri/ in many UK contexts. Primary stress is on the first syllable: CUT-ler-y. Start with a short, open /ʌ/ as in 'cup', then move quickly into /t/ followed by a light /l/ and a clear, unstressed /ə/ (schwa) before the final /ɹi/ or /ri/. In US, the final vowel tends to be a reduced /ɚ/ before a clear /i/; in UK, you may hear a slightly drier ending with /ɪ/ or /i/ depending on speaker. Audio reference: you can compare with native speakers on Pronounce or Forvo.
Common errors include: 1) Dropping the middle syllable and saying /ˈkʌtɹi/ or /ˈkʌt.li/; 2) Merging /t/ and /l/ into /tɫ/ leading to a slurred sound; 3) Over-stressing the final syllable, saying /ˈkʌt.lər.i/ with lip rounding on the final /i/. Correction: keep /t/ crisp, insert a light /ə/ between /t/ and /l/ (sound like /tə.l/), and ensure final /i/ is light and not a separate stressed vowel. Practice with minimal pairs.
US: /ˈkʌt.lɚ.i/ with rhotacized /ɚ/ in the second syllable and a relatively reduced final /i/. UK: /ˈkʌt.lɪ.ri/ or /ˈkɜːt.lə.ri/ depending on region, with non-rhotic tendencies and a clearer final /ɪ/ or /i/. AU: /ˈkɒt.lə.ɹi/ or /ˈkə.tə.li/ in some regional speech, with a flatter vowel in the first syllable and more pronounced /ɹ/ in American-like rhotic speech. All maintain stress on the first syllable but vowel qualities vary; observe the /t/ and /l/ sequence for consistency.
The difficulty centers on the /t.l/ consonant cluster and the unstressed middle vowel. You must deliver a crisp /t/ followed by a clear /l/ without blending into a syllabic /l/ or swallowing the /ə/. Additionally, final /i/ in fast speech can reduce to a schwa or be omitted, changing the cadence. Focus on tension release for the /t/ and a light, quick transition to /lə/ before the final /ri/. IPA cues: /ˈkʌt.lə.ɹi/ (US) vs /ˈkʌt.lɪ.ri/ (UK).
Is the middle syllable of 'Cutlery' always stressed? No. The primary stress is on the first syllable: CUT-ler-y. The second syllable is unstressed as /lə/ or /lɪ/ depending on accent. Mastery comes from maintaining a light, quick middle syllable and not letting the final /i/ become a separate vowel that lengthens the word. Remember: stress on the first syllable drives intelligibility in most contexts.
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Cutlery originates from the noun cut, from Old English cūtan, meaning to carve or cut, linked to the Middle English cuteler or couteleur, borrowed from Old French couteleor or couteleur meaning a knife-maker or cutter. The modern sense—utensils used for eating—emerges in the late medieval period as table culture evolved and specialized tools accompanied meals. The word developed through semantic narrowing: initially referring to cutting tools used in food preparation, it gradually shifted to denote the entire set of eating implements. In early English texts, cutler referred to a dealer in knives and swords; by the 14th–15th centuries, cutlery referred to the implements themselves, especially those made for eating. The term consolidates into a collective noun in contemporary usage, sometimes paired with adjectives such as stainless steel or silver-plated. Its usage spans dining contexts, hospitality, and domestic settings, retaining a slightly formal tone in everyday speech when contrasted with casual “utensils.” Through centuries, cutlery evolved with material innovations, from iron and pewter to stainless steel and modern alloys, while the essential concept of a coordinated eating implement set has remained stable. First known use is attested in Middle English sources in the 14th century, with evolving spelling variations such as cuteler, coutelee, and later cutlery, reflecting French influence on English culinary vocabulary.
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Words that rhyme with "Cutlery"
-ury sounds
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