use up

verb

used up; using up; uses up
Synonyms of use upnext

transitive verb

: to exhaust of strength or useful properties
land that has been used up

Examples of use up in a Sentence

we used up the last of the flour when we made the waffles
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.
This capital was produced in the past and is intended to continue to produce over time, rather than being used up to meet immediate needs. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026 In the Middle East conflicts of 2025, most estimates have it that nearly a quarter of the stocks of the Army’s high-altitude interceptor, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile, were consumed; a comparable number may have been used up in the current conflict. Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 As new developments continue to eat up land within Westfield amid the city's population boom, city leaders — and some residents — are at odds over how to use up the city's remaining land. Jake Allen, IndyStar, 24 Mar. 2026 The Firmware Updater uses up rare lunum to increase Hugh’s health, boost his weapons or improve Diana’s hacking. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for use up

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of use up was in 1712

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Cite this Entry

“Use up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/use%20up. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

use up

verb
: to make complete use of : exhaust
used up all the supplies

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