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

Rolling papers are one of the most used cannabis accessories in the world, since smoking joints is one of the top ways to consume the plant. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Researchers are turning to pyroprocessing, a technique that uses high temperatures to physically or chemically change solid materials, to convert used fuel into material that can be reused in advanced nuclear reactors. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

As more EVs enter the used car market, buyers with a budget of around $25,000 can now find newer electric SUVs that offer the benefits of gas-free motoring without the eye-watering price tags attached to many new electric vehicles. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Lighter requests are still allowed, including asking guests to leave dishes in the sink, gather used towels, and sort trash and recycling. — Lena Borrelli, Fortune, 28 Oct. 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