employ
ihm-PLOY
Employ (verb) means to hire someone and pay them to do work. Example: “The local hospital employs hundreds of nurses and cleaners.”
verb
1
To hire someone and pay them to do work.
"The local hospital employs hundreds of nurses and cleaners."
"The factory employs over two hundred workers."
"She was employed as a translator for the company."
2
To make use of something, such as a method, tool, or skill.
"Good writers employ simple words to make their ideas clear."
"The chef employs a special technique to keep the fish moist."
"The team employed a new strategy to win the match."
How to use employ
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo give someone a paid job, or to use a particular method or tool for a task.
Common pairings
employ staff
employ a strategy
newly employed
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Word forms
- Plural
- employs
- Third person singular
- employs
- Past tense
- employed
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The local hospital _____ hundreds of nurses and cleaners.
Etymology
From Old French emploiier, "to make use of," ultimately from Latin implicare, "to involve" or "engage" — the same root as "imply."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for employ
See all rhymes for employ →Frequently asked questions
What does “employ” mean?
The word “employ” means to hire someone and pay them to do work. In plain terms, to give someone a paid job, or to use a particular method or tool for a task.
How do you pronounce “employ”?
“Employ” is pronounced ihm-PLOY (/ɪmˈplɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “employ” in a sentence?
Here is “employ” used in a sentence: “The factory employs over two hundred workers.”
What is another word for “employ”?
Words with a similar meaning to “employ” include apply, appoint, bestow, brook, commission and commit.
What is the opposite of “employ”?
The opposite of “employ” — its antonyms — are discard, shun, disuse and surrender.
What part of speech is “employ”?
“Employ” is a verb.
Where does the word “employ” come from?
The word “employ” comes from Latin. From Old French emploiier, "to make use of," ultimately from Latin implicare, "to involve" or "engage" — the same root as "imply.".
Is “employ” a common word?
“Employ” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between employ and hire?
Both involve paying someone to do work, but "hire" often emphasises the initial act of taking someone on, while "employ" suggests the ongoing working relationship. You hire a new worker, and once they are working for you, you employ them.
What is the difference between employ and use?
In the sense of making use of something, "employ" is a more formal synonym for "use." You employ a method, strategy, or skill, much as you use a tool, but "employ" sounds more deliberate and elevated.
When should you use employ instead of use?
Choose "employ" in formal, academic, or professional writing, as in "the study employed a new technique." In everyday speech, "use" is more natural and less stiff.
Is employ a formal or informal word?
Employ is on the formal side. It is common in business, legal, and academic contexts, whereas "hire," "take on," and "use" feel more conversational.
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