usage
us·age
noun \ˈyü-sij, -zij\Definition of USAGE
1
a : firmly established and generally accepted practice or procedure b : a uniform certain reasonable lawful practice existing in a particular locality or occupation and binding persons entering into transactions chiefly on the basis of presumed familiarity c : the way in which words and phrases are actually used (as in a particular form or sense) in a language community
2
a : the action, amount, or mode of using <a decreased usage of electricity> b : manner of treating
See Examples of USAGE
- Seat belt usage in the state is now mandatory.
- drug usage among college students
- Restaurant dishes must be able to withstand rough usage.
- efforts to reduce water usage
- increasing usage of the nation's highways
- This word occurs in casual usage.
- differences between British and American usage
- I came across an uncommon usage I'd like to discuss with you.
Origin of USAGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from us use
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to USAGE
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