USE | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English: the noun from Old French us, from Latin usus, from uti ‘to use’; the verb from Old French user, based on Latin uti

take, hold, or deploy (something) as a means of accomplishing or achieving something; employ

take, hold, or deploy something as means of accomplishing or achieving something

• she used her key to open the front door
• the poem uses simple language

take or consume (an amount) from a limited supply

take or consume amount from limited supply

• we have used all the available funds

describing an action or situation that was done repeatedly or existed for a period in the past

describing action or situation that was done repeatedly or existed for period in past

• this road used to be a dirt track
• I used to give him lifts home

be or become familiar with (someone or something) through experience

be or become familiar with person or thing through experience

• she was used to getting what she wanted
• he's weird, but you just have to get used to him

one would like or benefit from

one would like or benefit from

• I could use another cup of coffee

the action of using something or the state of being used for a purpose

action of using something

• modern trains are now in use
• a few years after penicillin came into use
• the water mill went out of use in 1960
• theatre owners were charging too much for the use of their venues
• the software is ideal for use in schools

the value or advantage of something

value or advantage of something

• what's the use of crying?

the habitual consumption of a drug

habitual consumption of drug

• theft and dealing financed their heroin use

the characteristic ritual and liturgy of a Christian Church or diocese.

characteristic ritual and liturgy of Christian Church or diocese