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

Adjective

• accustomed
• given
• habituated
• wont

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

Instead, always hang the used towels on a bar or hook to dry before their next use. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025

The fact that much of that commerce involves the exchange of used items made eBay an early pioneer in sustainability, says Morin. —Simon Mainwaring, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Sprinkle just 1 to 2 tablespoons of used coffee grounds around the base of the rose bush. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

Patrons of all different races and ages sifted through clothing racks and checked price tags at the bottom of used appliances. —Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025

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