third-person singular verb
A person or thing uses something to do a task or get a result.
/ˈju.zɪz/Verb form
She uses a pen to write her notes.
He uses his phone to check the time.
American English
How to pronounce uses
verb · nounA1Very common word
YOOzihz
/ˈju.zɪz/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of use
Uses is both the plural of the noun use and the third-person singular form of the verb use.
A person or thing uses something to do a task or get a result.
What to listen for
As a plural noun, “uses” is /ˈju.sɪz/ (“you-ses”). As a verb, “uses” is /ˈju.zɪz/ (“you-ziz”).
Plural noun/ˈju.sɪz/
Verb form/ˈju.zɪz/
Meanings & examples
third-person singular verb
A person or thing uses something by spending or consuming it, such as time, money, water, or energy.
/ˈju.zɪz/Verb form
This shower uses a lot of water.
The machine uses too much energy.
third-person singular verb
A person uses someone to get what they want without caring about that person.
/ˈju.zɪz/Verb form
He uses me to get a better job.
She uses her friends for money.
Good to know
This meaning is usually negative: the person is treated like a tool.
plural noun
Uses are the purposes or functions of things.
/ˈju.sɪz/Plural noun
This tool has many uses.
The uses of this button are clearly explained.
Useful expressions
to finish all of something by taking or consuming it
We used up all the milk.
to have done something regularly in the past, but not now
I used to walk to work.
to be familiar with something and not find it difficult or strange
She's used to working late.
Related words & forms
In using, drop the final e: use → using.