utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce utilize (audio)
utilized; utilizing

transitive verb

: to make use of : turn to practical use or account
I'm a great person for utilizing waste powerRobert Frost
utilizable adjective
utilization noun
utilizer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for utilize

use, employ, utilize mean to put into service especially to attain an end.

use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged.

looking for better ways to employ their skills

utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Examples of utilize in a Sentence

Many of the library's resources are not utilized by townspeople. we must utilize all the tools at our disposal
Recent Examples on the Web For players seeking to resolve their issues, Slots Empire utilizes seamless live chat integration, email, and a dedicated mobile number. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Both incorporate lavender — an ingredient Starbucks has never utilized before. Ana Calderone, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 The trend of utilizing influencers for marketing isn’t just common among big corporations, but new businesses too, especially on the local level. Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2024 Other duties include utilizing computing resources in researching and leveraging appropriate data management solutions. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 Since McDaniel arrived as head coach, tight ends have been sparsely utilized in the passing game. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 Use Humor To Your Benefit Effectively utilizing humor is powerful. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Again, sellers can avoid the low-inventory fees by giving Amazon even more control of their supply chain by utilizing AWD to replace a seller’s existing 3PL warehouse relationship. Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024 Precision in Targeted Attacks Leveraging AI for in-depth data analysis could streamline the execution of attacks tailored to specific individuals or entities, utilizing collected data to exploit vulnerabilities. David Balaban, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of utilize was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near utilize

Cite this Entry

“Utilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilize. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

utilize

verb
uti·​lize ˈyüt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce utilize (audio)
utilized; utilizing
: to make use of especially for a certain job
utilization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on utilize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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