use meaning and definition

USE noun

Definition of use (noun)

1. the act of using
   • "he warned against the use of narcotic drugs"; "skilled in the utilization of computers"
   • synonyms: employment, exercise, usage, utilisation, utilization
2. what something is used for
   • "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
   • synonyms: function, purpose, role
3. a particular service
   • "he put his knowledge to good use"; "patrons have their uses"
4. (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing
   • "the consumption of energy has increased steadily"
   • synonyms: consumption, economic consumption, usance, use of goods and services
5. (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition
   • "owls have nocturnal habits"; "she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair"; "long use had hardened him to it"
   • synonyms: habit
6. exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage
   • "his manipulation of his friends was scandalous"
   • synonyms: manipulation
7. (law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property
   • "we were given the use of his boat"
   • synonyms: enjoyment

USE verb

Definition of use (verb)

1. put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
   • "use your head!"; "we only use Spanish at home"; "I can't use this tool"; "Apply a magnetic field here"; "This thinking was applied to many projects"; "How do you utilize this tool?"; "I apply this rule to get good results"; "use the plastic bags to store the food"; "He doesn't know how to use a computer"
   • synonyms: apply, employ, utilise, utilize
2. take or consume (regularly or habitually)
   • "She uses drugs rarely"
   • synonyms: habituate
3. use up, consume fully
   • "The legislature expended its time on school questions"
   • synonyms: expend
4. seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage
   • "She uses her influential friends to get jobs"; "The president's wife used her good connections"
5. avail oneself to
   • "apply a principle"; "practice a religion"; "use care when going down the stairs"; "use your common sense"; "practice non-violent resistance"
   • synonyms: apply, practice
6. habitually do something (use only in the past tense)
   • "She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally"; "I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall"; "They used to vacation in the Bahamas"