Autumn is used in British English and fall in American English. That's an expression she often uses to describe how she feels. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. Define uses. uses synonyms, uses pronunciation, uses translation, English dictionary definition of uses. v. used , us·ing , us·es v. tr. 1. To put into service or employ for a purpose: I used a whisk to beat the eggs. Synonyms for USES: utilizes, applies, employs, exploits, operates, harnesses, exercises, draws on; Antonyms of USES: ignores, neglects, misuses, misapplies, disuses, nonuses, dislikes, hatreds Understanding the distinction between uses and use is crucial in both written and spoken English. Uses is often associated with lists or discussions of multiple functions, and use is employed when referring to the general act of using something or a specific instance of it being used. The instrument has different uses. the power, right, or privilege of employing or using something: to lose the use of the right eye; to be denied the use of a library card. If something has a particular use, it is intended for a particular purpose. Infrared detectors have many uses. It's an interesting scientific phenomenon, but of no practical use whatever. The report outlined possible uses for the new weapon. If you just use her to get to meet her rock star dad, that's pretty unkind. Use is an old word with a lot of, well, uses. You can use a bike to get to school, or use up an entire tube of toothpaste in one vigorous brushing session. You might have to show Grandma how to use the 3-in-1 remote control. As a noun use means purpose. Note: Uses originated in early English law and were the origin of the modern trust. Uses became popular in medieval England, where they were often secretly employed as a method of evading laws (as those prohibiting mortmain) and penalties (as attainder) and to defeat creditors. Discover 100 other words for “uses” with quick, listicle-style alternatives—synonyms for apply, employ, utilize, and more to sharpen your writing.