used

1 of 2

adjective

ˈyüzd How to pronounce used (audio)
 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for used

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of used was in 1683

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Used.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/used. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

used

adjective
ˈyüzd How to pronounce used (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on used

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