What does use mean?
Use is a highly versatile English word with both noun and verb meanings. As a verb, it most commonly means to employ a person, object, resource, or method for a particular purpose: people use tools, services, medicines, and strategies. It can also mean to consume or apply something, as in using fuel or using a form, and to behave in a specified way, as in using tact. As a noun, use can refer to the action of employing something, its usefulness, a function or purpose, or lawful possession of property. The word appears in everyday, professional, legal, and economic contexts, and its meaning shifts with the surrounding grammar. For example, in a sentence such as “The building is in use,” the focus is on practical function; in “There are several uses for this tool,” it refers to distinct functions. Because use is both simple and flexible, it can express everyday practical actions as well as abstract ideas about benefit, purpose, and value.
The action of employing something for a purpose; its usefulness or function; a purpose served by something; or, in law, lawful possession of property.
"The building remains in use and continues to serve the community."
To employ or make use of something for a purpose; to consume or apply it; or to behave in a particular way.
"They used the spare room as a small studio."
The plural uses refers to distinct purposes, functions, or ways of employing something. It is less appropriate for the general action or usefulness of something.
"The device has several uses beyond simple timekeeping."
The same word that asks you to make use of something can also name the valuable thing itself: the use of a tool.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of use
The English word descends from Middle English usen, which was borrowed from Old French user and ultimately from Latin uti, meaning “to use.” The related Latin noun usum or usus supplied the noun sense meaning use, employment, or benefit. The same broad Latin family also produced English forms such as usual, utility, usury, and abuse, although their modern meanings have developed in different directions.
Related word forms
How use is actually used
As a noun, use is generally uncountable when meaning usefulness or employment, but countable when referring to distinct purposes or functions. The noun and verb have different final sounds in standard English: /juːs/ for the noun and /juːz/ for the verb. In legal contexts, use can refer specifically to the right to possess and enjoy property.
Easily confused with use
A user is a person who operates or uses something, whereas use names the action or the practical purpose of something.
Used is the past-tense form of use and can also mean second-hand or previously employed, while use is the base form or noun.