Used

/juːzd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

past tense of 'use'; to have utilized something for a particular purpose.

She used the last of the milk in her coffee.

to employ something as a means of accomplishing a purpose.

The teacher used various methods to engage her students.

to consume or exhaust a resource.

He has used all of his vacation days for the year.

adjective

previously owned or utilized by someone else, not new.

She bought a used car to save money.

accustomed to or familiar with something.

He is used to the noise of the city.

From Middle English 'used', past participle of 'usen', from Old French 'user', from Latin 'uti'.

used to:

Indicates something that was habitual in the past.

used up:

Completely consumed or exhausted.

use it or lose it:

If you do not make use of something, you will lose it.

used against:

Utilized for a contrary purpose or to harm someone.

Second-hand.

I got this used bike for a great deal.

Exhausted or spent.

I'm feeling used after that long day.