Use Definition
use
noun
- the act of using; "he warned against the use of narcotic drugs"; "skilled in the utilization of computers"
- what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
- a particular service; "he put his knowledge to good use"; "patrons have their uses"
- (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing; "the consumption of energy has increased steadily"
- (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition; "owls have nocturnal habits"; "she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair"; "long use had hardened him to it"
- exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage; "his manipulation of his friends was scandalous"
- (law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property; "we were given the use of his boat"
verb
- put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose; "use your head!"; "we only use Spanish at home"; "I can't use this tool"; "Apply a magnetic field here"; "This thinking was applied to many projects"; "How do you utilize this tool?"; "I apply this rule to get good results"; "use the plastic bags to store the food"; "He doesn't know how to use a computer"
- take or consume (regularly or habitually); "She uses drugs rarely"
- use up, consume fully; "The legislature expended its time on school questions"
- seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage; "She uses her influential friends to get jobs"; "The president's wife used her good connections"
- avail oneself to; "apply a principle"; "practice a religion"; "use care when going down the stairs"; "use your common sense"; "practice non-violent resistance"
- habitually do something (use only in the past tense); "She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally"; "I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall"; "They used to vacation in the Bahamas"
"Use" in song lyrics
See how use is used in real songs:
-
"Who's to choose to disturb the groove I use?"
415 f/ Brotha Broski, Icee B — Ruthless is Reality -
"I got a brand new tech that I'm dyin to use"
Anybody Killa — Hollowpoint -
"We pray we won't have to use"
Assassin and Poor Righteous Teachers — Wake Up! (Reveillez-Vous !)
Words that rhyme with use
Usage tips for "use"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "use" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for use to find words that pair well.