Definition

Noun: A utensil with a handle and several prongs (usually four), specifically designed for use at a dining table to lift food to the mouth or to hold food while cutting.

Usage

A tablefork is a standard piece of cutlery found in place settings for meals. It is used for eating main courses, salads, and other solid foods. It is distinguished from other forks (like dessert forks or carving forks) by its size and typical placement beside the dinner plate.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Please set the table with a knife, spoon, and tablefork for each guest.
  • The silver tablefork felt heavy and elegant in her hand.
  • He used his tablefork to spear a piece of potato.

Advanced Usage

• "To lay/place/set the tablefork": Refers to the act of putting the fork in its correct position on the table as part of setting the table for a meal.
  • The butler meticulously placed each tablefork exactly one inch from the plate.

Variants and Related Words

• Fork (n): The general term for the utensil. A is a type of fork.
• Dinner fork (n): A common synonym for .
• Place fork (n): Another term sometimes used for the main fork in a place setting.
• Salad fork (n): A smaller fork, often placed to the left of the tablefork or used for salad courses.
• Dessert fork (n): A smaller fork used for eating cake or pastry.

Synonyms

• Dinner fork
• Place fork

Antonyms

There is no direct antonym, but contrasting utensils include: - Tablespoon - Table knife - Spoon

Related Phrases

• Cutlery set / Flatware set: A collection of eating utensils that includes tableforks.
• Place setting: The arrangement of dishes, glasses, and utensils, including a tablefork, for one person at a meal.

Noun

1. a fork for eating at a dining table