English dictionary

use

noun

Pronunciation

juːs

Parts of speech

noun verb

Definitions

noun

  1. The act of using.
  2. The act of consuming alcohol or narcotics.
  3. (followed by "of") Usefulness, benefit.
  4. A function; a purpose for which something may be employed.
  5. Occasion or need to employ; necessity.
  6. Interest for lent money; premium paid for the use of something; usury.
  7. Continued or repeated practice; usage; habit.
  8. Common occurrence; ordinary experience.
  9. The special form of ritual adopted for use in any diocese.
  10. (forging) A slab of iron welded to the side of a forging, such as a shaft, near the end, and afterward drawn down, by hammering, so as to lengthen the forging.

verb

  1. To utilize or employ.
  2. To accustom; to habituate. (Now common only in participial form. Uses the same pronunciation as the noun; see usage notes.)
  3. (except in past tense) To habitually do; to be wont to do. (Now chiefly in past-tense forms; see used to.)
  4. To behave toward; to act with regard to; to treat.
  5. To behave, act, comport oneself.

Example sentences

The use of torture has been condemned by the United Nations.
What's the use of a law that nobody follows?
This tool has many uses.
I have no further use for these textbooks.
the Sarum, or Canterbury, use; the Hereford use; the York use; the Roman use; etc.
soldiers who are used to hardships and danger
I used to get things done.
to use an animal cruelly

Synonyms

employment nait note usage benefit good point usefulness utility apply employ engage utilise utilize exploit take advantage of
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