used

[yoozd, yoost]

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.

used

/ juːzd /

adjective

1. bought or sold second-hand

   used cars

Other Word Forms

• half-used adjective
• well-used adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of used¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. used to, accustomed or habituated to.

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

More idioms and phrases containing used

• it takes getting used to
• use

Example Sentences

Yet this was not a Wigan performance we are used to seeing, particularly as they looked short on answers when the game went against them in the first half.

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In a lively debate there were some strident voices arguing that the next Holyrood election should be used as a substitute referendum.

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Davis said DNA testing will be used to identify remains.

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These measures are used to calibrate whether policy is loose, neutral or too tight.

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Earlier approaches achieved this effect with flexible LEDs that used red and yellow phosphorescent dyes to create a candle-like warmth.

Read more on Science Daily

When To Use

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.