usage
YOO-sihj
Usage (noun) means the act or amount of using something, such as electricity, data, or a resource. Example: “Smart meters help families keep track of their daily electricity usage.”
noun
1
The act or amount of using something, such as electricity, data, or a resource.
"Smart meters help families keep track of their daily electricity usage."
"Heavy data usage on his phone meant he ran out of allowance early."
"Their water usage spiked during the summer months."
2
The way words or phrases are conventionally used by a particular group of speakers.
"Many teachers disagree with the modern usage of the word literally."
"In formal usage, this verb is followed by the preposition on."
"The dictionary includes notes on modern usage as well as definitions."
How to use usage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither how much of something gets used, or the accepted way a word or phrase is normally used.
Common pairings
data usage
common usage
standard usage
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Word forms
- Plural
- usages
Fill the gap
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Smart meters help families keep track of their daily electricity _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman and Old French usage, built from use + -age.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for usage
See all rhymes for usage →Frequently asked questions
What does “usage” mean?
The word “usage” means the act or amount of using something, such as electricity, data, or a resource. In plain terms, either how much of something gets used, or the accepted way a word or phrase is normally used.
How do you pronounce “usage”?
“Usage” is pronounced YOO-sihj (/ˈjuːsɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “usage” in a sentence?
Here is “usage” used in a sentence: “Their water usage spiked during the summer months.”
What part of speech is “usage”?
“Usage” is a noun.
Where does the word “usage” come from?
The word “usage” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman and Old French usage, built from use + -age.
Is “usage” a common word?
“Usage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “usage” have?
“Usage” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or amount of using something, such as electricity, data, or a resource.
What is the difference between "usage" and "use"?
"Use" is the broad, everyday word for the act of using something, while "usage" often refers to the amount of a resource consumed, such as data or electricity, or to the customary way words are used by speakers.
When should you use "usage" instead of "use"?
Choose "usage" when you mean the measured amount of a resource consumed, or when discussing accepted conventions of language. Use "use" for the simple act or purpose of using an object.
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