Meaning & use

usage

noun·Academic

The way in which a word, phrase, or item is customarily used.

See it in a sentence

Modern usage now accepts singular they in most everyday writing.

Heavy usage of the printer wore out its cartridge within a month.

A note on using this word

In language contexts, usage refers to how words are actually used, which can differ from strict grammatical rules.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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