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

TrendPlain Olive Oil Sprayer Olive oil is one of the most used ingredients in our kitchens. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

Although the store has culled most of its used books, Aragon-Shafi plans to still sell some of the used and rare inventory that West Side was first known for. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026

When the economy shifts or supply shrinks, demand shifts to used cars, which then experience their own spike in values. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 4 Mar. 2026

We're all used to having these rules in our lives about how many vegetables to eat each day, for example. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 4 Mar. 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