used

1 of 2

adjective

ˈyüzd 

in the phrase "used to" usually ˈyüs(t)

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

Adjective

• accustomed

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

Adjective

The new facility will allow scientists and engineers to analyze used fuel cores, comparing real-world performance data with predictions from advanced design and testing processes. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

One of the cheapest paths to an EV that can run 250 to 300 miles or more in a single charge is a used Tesla. — Tim Levin, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

CoolKicks is a sneaker destination for new and used shoes frequented by celebrities, influencers and professional athletes. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Despite rising volumes of textile waste and a growing demand for sustainable products, only less than 1 percent of used textiles gets recycled back into new ones, the venture noted. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing used

• got used to
• take some getting used to
• used not to
• used to
• what it used to be

Rhymes for used

• abused
• accused
• amused
• bemused
• confused
• contused
• defused
• diffused
• disused
• effused
• enthused
• excused

Kids Definition

used

adjective

ˈyüzd 

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