silverware

/ˈsɪlvəweə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪlvərwer/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsil-vər-ˌwer/ (ame, mw)

silverware — noun

1. Eating and serving items — such as knives, forks, spoons, and dishes — that are

1.名詞B1
釋義

Eating and serving items — such as knives, forks, spoons, and dishes — that are made from silver or have a thin layer of silver covering their surface.

例句

For their fiftieth wedding anniversary, the Watsons received a set of antique silverware from their children.

set of + antique silverware

Before the formal dinner began, the butler polished each piece of silverware until it shone.

piece of silverware

同義詞
  • silver plate

    refers specifically to items coated with a thin layer of silver rather than solid silver

  • sterling

    refers to items made of solid sterling silver (92.5% pure silver); more specific and formal

文法句型

silverware + is

set of silverware

用法筆記

In everyday conversation, people often use 'silverware' for any metal utensils regardless of material. This sense applies specifically when the actual material — silver or silver plate — is relevant, such as when talking about value, antiques, or formal dining etiquette.

常見錯誤

❌The forks are silverware, so I put them in the dishwasher.
✅The forks are silver, so I polished them by hand.
💡If the items are genuinely made of silver, they should not go in the dishwasher; use 'silver-plated' or 'sterling silver' for precision.

2. The knives, forks, and spoons that people use for eating meals, typically made o

2.名詞B1
釋義

The knives, forks, and spoons that people use for eating meals, typically made of stainless steel or other everyday metals rather than actual silver.

例句

Theo set the table by placing the silverware neatly beside each dinner plate.

set the table + silverware

When the Okonkwo family moved into their new apartment, they bought a matching set of silverware.

matching set of silverware

同義詞
  • cutlery

    preferred term in British English; also includes knives specifically

  • flatware

    common in American English; refers specifically to knives, forks, and spoons (not serving dishes)

  • tableware

    broader term that includes plates, bowls, and glasses, not just utensils

文法句型

silverware + is

piece of silverware

用法筆記

This is the most common everyday meaning. In American English, 'silverware' covers all metal eating utensils regardless of material. British English speakers more often use 'cutlery' for the same concept.

常見錯誤

❌I forgot to bring a silverware.
✅I forgot to bring the silverware.' or 'I forgot to bring some silverware.
💡Silverware is uncountable; do not use 'a' before it.
❌He washed the silverwares after dinner.
✅He washed the silverware after dinner.
💡No plural form; silverware is always singular.

3. Silver cups, bowls, or other trophy items that are awarded to winning teams or i

3.名詞B2
釋義

Silver cups, bowls, or other trophy items that are awarded to winning teams or individual competitors at sports events, such as a championship trophy or league title.

例句

The national champion team paraded their silverware through the streets of Seoul after the final match.

paraded / displayed their silverware

After winning the tournament, Coach Chen placed the silverware in a glass cabinet at the sports centre.

win + silverware

同義詞
  • trophy

    the more general term for any prize cup, bowl, or plaque; countable

  • cup

    often used for knockout-competition trophies shaped like cups; can be countable

  • hardware

    American English slang for championship trophies, especially in professional sports

文法句型

win silverware

claim silverware

用法筆記

This sense is primarily used in British sports journalism and commentary. Even a single trophy is referred to as 'silverware' (uncountable) — for example, 'the club has not won silverware in a decade.' In American English, 'hardware' or simply 'trophies' is more common.

常見錯誤

❌The team won two silverware this season.
✅The team won two trophies this season.' or 'The team won silverware in two competitions.
💡Silverware is uncountable; use 'trophies' or 'pieces of silverware' when counting.
❌She lifted the silverware above her head.' (if referring to a trophy cup)
✅She lifted the trophy above her head.
💡For a single physical cup, 'trophy' is clearer unless the context explicitly uses the sports-journalism sense.