used

American  

[yoozd, yoost] / yuzd, yust /

adjective

1. previously used or owned; secondhand.

   a used car.

2. showing wear or being worn out.

   a thrift store that accepts used clothing.

3. employed for a purpose; utilized.

   a frequently used dictionary.

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idioms

1. used to, accustomed or habituated to.

   I'm not used to cold weather. They weren't used to getting up so early.

used British  

/ juːzd /

adjective

1. bought or sold second-hand

   used cars

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used More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing used

• it takes getting used to
• use

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Usage

What is another way to say used? Something that is used has been employed for a purpose or previously owned. Used is the past participle of the general verb use. Do you know the difference between use and utilize? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Other Word Forms

• half-used adjective
• well-used adjective

Etymology

Origin of used

First recorded in 1325–75; use + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Military escorts, which shippers used in the Persian Gulf during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, can only provide protection for a limited number of ships at a time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

His bad-tempered outburst showed a different side of a man used to cracking jokes and charming even his critics.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

In the early days of the war, transponder data showed dozens of ships broadcasting messages such as "Chinese crew" or "Chinese owner" in the field usually used for their destination.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Talks, deals, and economic relief were in ample evidence, with sanctions used as a negotiating tactic but without a credible threat of force.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

I used to do that when I wasn’t happy with my work, but I’ve realized that Ms. Wilcox is right.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam