utilize

verb

uti·​lize ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce utilize (audio)
utilized; utilizing

transitive verb

: to make use of : turn to practical use or account
I'm a great person for utilizing waste powerRobert Frost
utilizable adjective
utilization noun
utilizer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for utilize

use, employ, utilize mean to put into service especially to attain an end.

use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end.

willing to use any means to achieve her ends

employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged.

looking for better ways to employ their skills

utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.

an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter

Examples of utilize in a Sentence

Many of the library's resources are not utilized by townspeople. we must utilize all the tools at our disposal
Recent Examples on the Web Trust is built through transparency and accountability and must be embedded into the full AI life cycle to give all stakeholders confidence in their organization’s ability to utilize new technologies safely and deliberately. Mark Brown, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 How often do customers utilize the replay functionality? David Silberman, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2024 Some previous tours under the band’s name that had not included all the original players had utilized Etty Lau Farrell and other dancers on stage, but the singer went along with the other musicians’ wishes to not include that element. Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024 One reason for this is because of thermoregulation - the body's way of maintaining core body temperature by affecting skin blood flow and utilizing energy stores. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utilize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utilize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French utiliser, from utile

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of utilize was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near utilize

Cite this Entry

“Utilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilize. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

utilize

verb
uti·​lize ˈyüt-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce utilize (audio)
utilized; utilizing
: to make use of especially for a certain job
utilization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on utilize

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