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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Shah states that the challenges of utilizing these properties for affordable housing lie in addressing design, cost, and more. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 Many home logos utilize a name as a starting point, incorporating words such as cottage, bungalow, manor and hall before adding other area details. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024 Boston Dynamics says Atlas uses a machine learning vision model to locate and identify the proper object and then utilizes an assortment of vision and force sensors to safely move it to the right location. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024 Many universities and colleges utilize a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for online submissions. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utilize 

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 15 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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