utilise

verb

USYOO-ti-lyz/ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/

Formsutilises, utilising, utilised

4 meanings of utilise

1
verbUKtransitive
To use something to do a job or reach a goal.
Like picking up a tool from a box to get a job done.
Many drivers utilise the new app to find parking.
The team utilised every spare room in the building.
Similaruse, employ, harness, apply
Note
2
verbUKtransitive
To use something as fully and well as you can.
Like squeezing a lemon until you get every last drop of juice.
Good coaches utilise each player's strengths during a game.
She utilised all her free time to study for exams.
Similarexploit, maximize, use, harness
Oppositewaste, squander
3
verbUKtransitive
To find a real, helpful use for something.
Like using empty jars to store nails instead of throwing them away.
Farmers utilise leftover straw as bedding for animals.
The town utilised an empty lot as a community garden.
Similarharness, use, exploit, employ
Oppositewaste, discard
Note
4
verbUKtransitive
To use something in a way it was not first meant for.
Like using a coin to tighten a screw when you have no screwdriver.
Campers often utilise a flat rock as a hammer.
She utilised a heavy book as a doorstop.
Similaruse, repurpose, employ

Use it in a sentence

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Origin

It comes from French utiliser, which came from Italian utilizzare, meaning 'to make useful.' It goes back to the Latin word for 'use.'