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

That’s a lot of virgin oak in the mix, which adds an intensity of flavor compared to used barrels, and each type of wood is meant to bring different notes to the palate. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026

Rick Rubin with Danzig at Canter’s sounds exciting compared to Chris Robinson and the used bookstores of my life. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The used golf ball came with a bit of magic, too, with Cowan chipping in for par on the 17th hole to pull off the upset against Russell 2&1. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

The paper uses the market for used cars to show why good information is critical for a healthy marketplace. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 11 Aug. 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