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

Consumer Reports compiles the annual report card based on road tests, owner reports, new and used car reliability, owner satisfaction and maintenance and repair costs and road tests more than 200 new vehicles annually. —Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Combating auto scams Consumers who buy or lease a new or used car from a dealer would have the right to return it for a full refund within three days of purchase. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The strange pliable substance, which NASA said is not unlike used gum or soft plastic, was likely formed when our solar system was in its infancy. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

Peter Capozzoli, the owner of used car dealership Cohasset Imports, takes the stand. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 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