usage

noun

us·​age ˈyü-sij How to pronounce usage (audio)
-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
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 Customer success teams can play a pivotal role here, helping clients optimize usage and realize more tangible outcomes from their software investments. Amanda Whiteside, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 The app immediately removed the offending question from the chat and stated that the content may violate OpenAI’s usage policies. Anna Cooban, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024 Denim mills are revolutionizing their dye processes for Spring/Summer 2026, focusing on reducing water and chemical usage. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2024 Dodgers For Subscribers Dodgers hopeful their cautious bullpen usage will pay off in NLCS Game 6 Oct. 20, 2024 Despite all that, Judge’s postseason has been a grind. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for usage 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'usage.' 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

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from us use

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of usage was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near usage

Cite this Entry

“Usage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usage. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

usage

noun
us·​age ˈyü-sij How to pronounce usage (audio)
-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 How to pronounce usage (audio)
: an habitual or uniform practice especially in an area or trade compare custom

More from Merriam-Webster on usage

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