used

1 of 2

adjective

ˈyüzd How to pronounce used (audio)
in the phrase "used to" usually ˈyüs(t)
Synonyms of usednext
1
: having been used before
one of the most used quotes
: such as
a
: already exhausted for its intended purpose
a used tissue
b
: having had a previous owner : secondhand
a used car
used clothing/furniture
2
: accustomed, habituated
… showing how used he was to papers with lies on them …—Gilbert Millstein

used

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of use entry 1

Synonyms of used

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Adjective

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Examples of used in a Sentence

Adjective The books on this shelf are used. my grandmother has spent her whole life on the farm and is used to working hard
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In the center of town, check out Inquiring Minds Bookstore for used and new books with a great kids’ section or Enoki for an eclectic mix of Asian pantry items and vintage clothing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 Mihalich, who shares thrift shopping tips and finds with thousands of followers on Instagram, says buying used clothing is as much about saving money as sustainability. — Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Supply and demand for used cars at dealerships is fairly balanced, according to Kelly Blue Book. — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 In fact, people who receive syringes from a needle exchange are less likely to dispose of them improperly than those who do not use needle exchanges – in part because these programs encourage the return of used needles. — Paul Christine, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for used

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of used was in 1683

Phrases Containing used

Rhymes for used

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Browse Nearby Words

use case
used
use district
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Cite this Entry

“Used.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/used. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

used

adjective
ˈyüzd How to pronounce used (audio)
in the phrase "
used to "
usually ˈyüs(t)
1
: employed in accomplishing something
a much used excuse
2
: that has been used
especially : secondhand sense 2a
used cars
3
: having the habit of doing or experiencing
is used to flying
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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