- [uncountable, singular] the act of using something; the state of being used
- A ban was imposed on the use of chemical weapons.
- You can't justify the use of military force.
- I'm not sure that this is the most valuable use of my time.
- for… use These videos are intended for classroom use.
- for use in something The software is designed for use in schools.
- in use The chapel was built in the 12th century and is still in use today.
- for the use of somebody (formal) The bar is for the use of members only.
Extra Examples- Drug use in this age group is on the increase.
- Holding a lavish party was not the best use of scarce funds.
- I don't recommend the use of chemicals in home gardens.
- If side effects occur, discontinue use.
- Only half the land was fit for immediate use.
- The CD is intended for use as background music.
- The layout of the furniture makes optimum use of the space available.
- The phone is in constant use.
- The prints remain on file for future use.
- The study showed that 75% of people favoured the use of ID cards.
- There is a high risk of developing side effects from prolonged use of the drug.
- This antiseptic is for external use only.
- This model has been designed for greater ease of use.
- This phone number is only for use in an emergency.
- This room is now ready for use.
- This software is no longer in common use.
- a campaign to encourage wider use of public transport
- a style of writing with an excessive use of metaphor
- an article with a judicious use of examples
- an efficient use of resources
- fire extinguishers for home use
- for the exclusive use of club members
- lifetime use of cigarettes
- the daily use of a deodorant
- the fair use of copyrighted material
- the first country to ban the use of antidepressants in children
- the sustainable use of natural resources
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- considerable
- extensive
- great
- …
- make
- bring something (back) into
- come into
- …
- for use
- in use
- ease of use
- for use as
- ready for use
- …
- [countable, uncountable] a purpose for which something is used; a way in which something is or can be used
- The plant has various medical uses.
- This chemical has a wide range of industrial uses.
- use for something Can you find a use for this old table?
- I'm sure you'll think of a use for it.
- What use is a mouse without a computer?
Extra Examples- The product has several potential uses.
- This herb has a variety of uses.
- Water was reserved for drinking or medicinal uses.
- Commercial activity on the site will constitute a change of use.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- different
- new
- intended
- …
- have
- find
- put something to
- …
- a variety of uses
- what use is…?
- what’s the use of…?
- …
- [uncountable] use (of something) the right or opportunity to use something, for example something that belongs to somebody else
- I have the use of the car this week.
Extra Examples- They denied us use of the college library.
- Guests have free use of the hotel pool.
- We gave them the use of our house while we were away.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- full
- have
- give somebody
- offer (somebody)
- …
- use of
- [uncountable] the ability to use your mind or body
- He lost the use of his legs (= became unable to walk) in an accident.
Extra Examples- After a while she regained the use of her fingers.
- Since his stroke he hasn't had the use of his left hand.
- the full use of your mental faculties
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- full
- have
- give somebody
- offer (somebody)
- …
- use of
- [countable] a particular word or phrase, used with a particular meaning
- The phrase ‘all told’ comes from an old use of the verb ‘tell’, meaning ‘to count’.
Word OriginMiddle English: the noun from Old French us, from Latin usus, from uti ‘to use’; the verb from Old French user, based on Latin uti.
Idioms
See use in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee use in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishbe no use (to somebody)
(also formal be of no use)
- to not be useful or helpful
- You can throw those away—they're no use to anyone.
- It's of no practical use to me.
be of use (to somebody)
- (formal) to be useful
- Can I be of any use (= can I help)?
- Could this old coat be of use to you?
come into/go out of, etc. use
- to start/stop being used
- When did this word come into common use?
- These pesticides are gradually going out of use.
Extra Examples- The expression went out of use some time ago.
- a technology which came into use at the end of the last century
have no use for somebody
- to dislike somebody
- I've no use for people who don't make an effort.
have no use for something
- to not need something
- Living underground and having little use for eyes, moles are virtually blind.
- I have no use for my golf clubs any more.
have its/their/your uses
- (informal, often humorous) to be useful sometimes
- I know you don't like him, but he has his uses.
it’s no use (doing something) | what’s the use (of doing something)?
- used to say that there is no point in doing something because it will not be successful or have a good result
- What's the use of worrying about it?
- It's no use—I can't persuade her.
Extra ExamplesTopics Difficulty and failurec1- It's no use running—the train has already gone.
- What's the use of denying it?
make use of something/somebody
- to use something/somebody, especially in order to get an advantage
- We could make better use of our resources.
- to make effective use of technology
- You should make use of your contacts.
Extra Examples- We made use of the car while you were away.
- He made full use of the opportunity to travel.
put something to good use
- to be able to use something for a purpose, and get an advantage from doing so
- She'll be able to put her languages to good use in her new job.
- Don't throw that box away—I'm sure I could put it to some use.
Check pronunciation:
use