used

1 of 2

adjective

ˈyüzd How to pronounce used (audio)
in the phrase "used to" usually ˈyüs(t)
Synonyms of usednext
1
: having been used before
one of the most used quotes
: such as
a
: already exhausted for its intended purpose
a used tissue
b
: having had a previous owner : secondhand
a used car
used clothing/furniture
2
: accustomed, habituated
… showing how used he was to papers with lies on them …Gilbert Millstein

used

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of use entry 1

Synonyms of used

Examples of used in a Sentence

Adjective The books on this shelf are used. my grandmother has spent her whole life on the farm and is used to working hard
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The company is also advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert used fuel into energy. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026 For some veterans like Adams, the pressure of the World Cup is something he’s gotten used to now. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 So for many middle-class Americans, the choice is between a dangerous amount of debt or no new car at all — which has, in turn, sent prices for used cars soaring. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2026 Drivers and pedestrians are so used to cyclists that very few bikers even wear helmets. Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for used

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of used was in 1683

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Used.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/used. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

used

adjective
ˈyüzd How to pronounce used (audio)
in the phrase "
used to "
usually ˈyüs(t)
1
: employed in accomplishing something
a much used excuse
2
: that has been used
especially : secondhand sense 2a
used cars
3
: having the habit of doing or experiencing
is used to flying

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