housewares

Housewares are articles of household equipment, especially ones used in the kitchen, such as plates, glasses, and utensils like knives and forks.

The similar word kitchenware refers specifically to housewares for the kitchen. Kitchenware typically refers to such things collectively, whereas housewares is almost always used in its plural form.

Housewares is often used as a name for a particular department in a store or a section of a website where such things can be purchased. For this reason, the word housewares is usually used very generally and can encompass many different things, such as small appliances and items of furniture.

Example: I packed all of our housewares in the back of the truck so we can unload them first and set up our kitchen right away.

The first records of the word housewares come from the 1800s. In housewares, the word ware means “a specific kind or category of product.” It’s used in the same way in the words silverware, glassware, tableware, and kitchenware, all of which are kinds of housewares.

You can buy housewares in the housewares section of a store or website, or at a store that specializes in housewares. At such places, you’re likely to find all kinds of pots, pans, utensils, and other kitchen gadgets. But you may also find a wide variety of practical things for around the house, like fans, clocks, toothbrush holders, coasters, and picture frames, among many other things (many of which you probably don’t need). Housewares are usually functional in some way, but not always (like that avocado slicer you never use).

What are some synonyms for housewares?

• household effects
• furnishings
• homeware

What are some words that share a root or word element with housewares? 

• house
• ware
• warehouse
• kitchenware
• glassware

What are some words that often get used in discussing housewares?

• kitchen
• utensils
• department
• dining room
• décor
• household
• items
• fixtures

Housewares is especially used to refer to products in the housewares section of stores. It’s often used in a very general way.

Don't forget to visit our housewares department. You'll never know what you might find! Prices start at $2!

— Fred Habitat ReStore (@FredCoReStore) December 16, 2017

Same. I am in absolutely no hurry to go out and acquire more housewares or soft goods at this time.

— Chris says Bravo Lima Mike🍍 (@seneca) May 10, 2020

Interior design has always been my first love. Home decor / housewares in general tbh… I remember being obsessed with linen and things as a kid

— miss mamas. (@joslynduhhh) August 14, 2020

Which of the following items are you most likely to find in the housewares section?

A. gardening tools
B. kitchen utensils
C. car parts
D. books