use

/juːs/ noun

Definition

USING [U] › when you use something, or when something is being used: an increase in the use of mobile phones Guests have free use of the hotel swimming pool. Turn the machine off when it's not in use (= being used).

PURPOSE [C] › a purpose for which something is used: A food processor has a variety of uses in the kitchen. Can you find a use for this box?

be (of) any/some use › to be useful: Is this book of any use to you?

be (of) no use › to not be useful: His advice was no use at all.

be no use; be no use doing sth › used to say that trying to do something has no effect: It was no use talking to him - he wouldn't listen. It's no use! I just can't get this lid off.

WORD [C] › one of the meanings of a word, or the way that a particular word is used: Can you list all the uses of the verb 'go'?

the use of sth › permission to use something, or the ability to use something: Martin has offered me the use of his car. She lost the use of both legs in the accident.

make use of sth › to use something that is available: We were encouraged to make use of all the facilities.

(Definition of use noun from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)