take, hold, or deploy (something) as a means of accomplishing or achieving something; employ

she used her key to open the front door

the poem uses simple language

take or consume (an amount) from a limited supply

we have used all the available funds

describing an action or situation that was done repeatedly or existed for a period in the past

this road used to be a dirt track

I used to give him lifts home

be or become familiar with (someone or something) through experience

she was used to getting what she wanted

he's weird, but you just have to get used to him

one would like or benefit from

I could use another cup of coffee

the action of using something or the state of being used for a purpose

modern trains are now in use

a few years after penicillin came into use

the water mill went out of use in 1960

theatre owners were charging too much for the use of their venues

the software is ideal for use in schools

the value or advantage of something

what's the use of crying?

the habitual consumption of a drug

theft and dealing financed their heroin use

the characteristic ritual and liturgy of a Christian Church or diocese