usage

us·age | \ ˈyü-sij

, -zij \

Definition of usage

1a : 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

2a : the action, amount, or mode of using a decreased usage of electricity

b : manner of treating

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about usage

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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 Bed usage has remained at about 45% of the 43,197 maximum beds available in 250 facilities across the state, according to data provided by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and analyzed by the Columbus Dispatch. — USA TODAY, "Bull riding, Whac-a-Mole, prisoner release: News from around our 50 states," 14 July 2020 In parts of the South, electricity usage may climb as much as 30 percent, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. — Chris Martin, BostonGlobe.com, "As heat sears US, soaring energy costs foreseen," 1 July 2020 On Monday, the Savannah Police Department fired former APO Edwin Myrick, stating the Facebook post violated the agency’s internet usage rules and code of ethics, according to Savannah NBC news affiliate WSAV. — Stephanie Toone, ajc, "Police officer fired after Facebook post about ‘privilege’ sparks controversy," 26 June 2020 In fact, May 2020 usage of Kanopy online streaming movies increased 225 percent compared to May 2019. — John Benson, cleveland, "Cuyahoga County Public Library announces two-phase reopening of branches," 25 June 2020 According to one estimate, the dietary supplement market was worth over $14 billion in 2018, although research has suggested that usage varies widely according to each country. — Lisa Drayer, CNN, "Should you take a dietary supplement to prevent disease?," 24 June 2020 India's government reported that Internet usage surged by more than 13% during the lockdown. — Grady Mcgregor, Fortune, "11 deals for $15 billion in 10 weeks: Why India’s Jio Platforms is on an investment spree," 20 June 2020 But just because fireworks usage is skyrocketing doesn’t mean that its industry is thriving. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, "Fireworks Usage Is Exploding. But July 4th Silence Awaits," 19 June 2020 This year, coal usage has dropped in the US, and renewables now generate more electricity. — Eric Niiler, Wired, "The Covid-19 Economic Slump Is Closing Down Coal Plants," 12 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'usage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.