usage

noun

us·​age ˈyü-sij 

-zij

1

a

: firmly established and generally accepted practice or procedure

b

: a uniform certain reasonable lawful practice existing in a particular locality or occupation and binding persons entering into transactions chiefly on the basis of presumed familiarity

c

: the way in which words and phrases are actually used (as in a particular form or sense) in a language community

2

a

: the action, amount, or mode of using

a decreased usage of electricity

b

: manner of treating

Synonyms

• application
• employment
• exercise
• operation
• play
• use

Choose the Right Synonym for usage

habit, practice, usage, custom, wont mean a way of acting fixed through repetition.

habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively.

had a habit of tapping his fingers

practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice.

our practice is to honor all major credit cards

usage suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm.

western-style dress is now common usage in international business

custom applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law.

the custom of wearing black at funerals

wont usually applies to a habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group.

as was her wont, she slept until noon

Examples of usage in a Sentence

Seat belt usage in the state is now mandatory.

drug usage among college students

Restaurant dishes must be able to withstand rough usage.

efforts to reduce water usage

increasing usage of the nation's highways

This word occurs in casual usage.

differences between British and American usage

I came across an uncommon usage I'd like to discuss with you.

Recent Examples on the Web

So limited oven usage, lots of fridge space, a grill outside, slow cooker, crock pot inside. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025

That is why clear AI usage policies at work are so important. —Lindsay Kohler, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

McDaniels’ playoff usage rate though the first two rounds was the same at 16.3 percent (most role players will see a postseason dip as the stars soak up more minutes and shots), and he’s shot the ball far better, converting 62.7 percent of his 2s in the playoffs. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 21 May 2025

How to Use Laundry Sanitizer Consult the usage instructions on the product label for guidelines on how much laundry sanitizer to use per load; measurements vary from brand to brand. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from us use

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing usage

• enter common usage
• ill-usage
• usage note

Kids Definition

usage

noun

us·​age ˈyü-sij 

-zij

1

a

: usual practice or procedure

b

: the way in which words and phrases are actually used

2

a

: the action of using : use

increasing usage of the nation's highways

b

: manner of treating

restaurant dishes receive rough usage

Legal Definition

usage

noun

us·​age ˈyü-sij, -zij 

: an habitual or uniform practice especially in an area or trade compare custom