use
yoos
Use (verb) means to employ something for a particular purpose. Example: “She used a hammer to fix the loose shelf.”
verb
1
To employ something for a particular purpose.
"She used a hammer to fix the loose shelf."
"You can use my laptop while yours is being repaired."
"Please use a pencil to fill in the form, in case you make mistakes."
noun
1
The act of using something, or a purpose it serves.
"This tool has many uses around the house."
"The use of mobile phones is not allowed in the exam hall."
"Old jars can find a new use as pen holders."
How to use use
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put something to work for a purpose — or, as a noun, the act or purpose of doing so.
Common mistake
The verb is pronounced with a "z" sound ("yooz"), while the noun is pronounced with an "s" sound ("yoos").
Common pairings
make use of
in use
put to good use
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Word forms
- Plural
- uses
- Third person singular
- uses
- Past tense
- used
- Archaic forms
- usest, usedst, useth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ a hammer to fix the loose shelf.
Etymology
From Old French user, "to use, employ," from Latin ūtor, "to use."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for use
See all rhymes for use →Frequently asked questions
What does “use” mean?
The word “use” means to employ something for a particular purpose. In plain terms, to put something to work for a purpose — or, as a noun, the act or purpose of doing so.
How do you pronounce “use”?
“Use” is pronounced yoos (/jus/ in IPA).
How do you use “use” in a sentence?
Here is “use” used in a sentence: “She used a hammer to fix the loose shelf.”
What part of speech is “use”?
Depending on how it is used, “use” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “use” come from?
The word “use” comes from Latin. From Old French user, "to use, employ," from Latin ūtor, "to use.".
Is “use” a common word?
“Use” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “use” have?
“Use” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to employ something for a particular purpose.
What is the difference between use and utilize?
The two are close, but 'use' is the plain, everyday word for employing something for its purpose. 'Utilize' is more formal and often implies making practical or clever use of something, especially in a way it wasn't originally meant for. In most sentences, 'use' is simpler and reads better than 'utilize.'
What is the difference between 'use' and 'used to'?
'Use' is the present-tense verb meaning to employ something. 'Used to' is a separate expression describing a past habit or state that no longer applies — 'I used to walk to school.' Though they share spelling, 'used to' points to something that was once true but has since changed.
What is an example of 'use' in a sentence?
You might say, 'I use a knife to cut bread,' or 'She uses her phone to check the time.' In each case, something is being employed for a specific purpose. The verb applies to tools, skills, language, or resources — anything put to work to achieve a result.
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