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.
Instead of a single strap, the Nao utilizes a harness system (with multiple adjustment points) for your head. Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024 The company utilized cash for acquisitions totaling $31.1 million and capital expenditures of $82.3 million during the same period. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Through genetic genealogy, law enforcement utilizes commercial DNA databases to find family matches to the DNA of a crime suspect, a victim or a missing person. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024 In an effort to bring residents a new public space, Measure E proposes utilizing $290 million in bonds — a form of long-term borrowing authorized by the state to fund public improvements — for a new library near Sunnyvale City Hall. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 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 19 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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