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

Example Sentences

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 The healer utilizes a variety of techniques including soul and power retrieval, clearing of energy blocks, intuitive healing, and additional shamanic practices. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 31 May 2023 Since that guideline, there has been an uptick in utilizing non-sugar sweeteners as a substitute. Good Housekeeping, 28 May 2023 Once wet, the towel utilizes the power of simple evaporation to produce a refreshing coolness. Talene Appleton, menshealth.com, 26 May 2023 Otherwise, dispatchers utilize the 988 crisis call center. Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Anchorage Daily News, 26 May 2023 Both will utilize existing courses, so no new resources will be required. Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2023 Etasha Donthi: Livity utilizes natural language processing (NLP), an area of artificial intelligence, and sentiment analysis to identify suicidal ideation within social media posts. Leah Campano, Seventeen, 25 May 2023 Second, there’s undeniable driver enjoyment to be found in utilizing a Huracán for this kind of all-terrain action. Karl Brauer, Robb Report, 17 May 2023 Courtesy Basketball coaches reject MOV Yet another MIAA sport committee has weighed in on the margin-of-victory (MOV) component in the association’s power ranking formula that has been utilized since 2021-22 in the seeding process for the statewide tournaments. Ethan Fuller, BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2023 See More

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 17 Jun. 2023.

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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