usual

Pluralusuals (some meanings)

1. 1
   typicaladjective

   Happening, done, or found most often; typical of what normally occurs.

   Traffic was heavier than usual because of the parade downtown.

   He gave his usual excuse for showing up late to the meeting.

   UsageSay as usual (not incorrect: as usually) and than usual: heavier than usual.

   Similarnormal, typical, customary, habitual, regular

   Oppositeunusual, uncommon, exceptional, rare

2. 2
   noununcountable

   The typical condition of something, or that which is typical.

   After weeks of chaos, the office finally settled back into the usual.

   His quiet behavior that night was a sharp break from the usual.

   UsageUsually the usual, as in a break from the usual or nothing out of the usual.

   Similarnorm

3. 3
   regular ordernouncolloquialcountable

   A particular item, often a drink, that a person habitually orders and so can request without specifying.

   The bartender saw him come in and started mixing his usual.

   At the diner she just nodded, and the waiter brought her usual.

   UsageUsually the usual or my usual: I'll have the usual.

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