utilize

verb

SayYOO-tuh-lyzUS/ˈju.tə.laɪz/AUS/ˈjʉː.tə.lɑez/UKYOO-ti-lyz/ˈjuː.tɪ.laɪz/

Formsutilizes, utilizing, utilized

UK spellingutilise

3 meanings of utilize

1
put to useverbtransitive
To make use of something or put it to use.
Engineers plan to utilize the existing rail lines rather than build new ones.
The report utilized data from three national surveys.
Similaruse, employ
2
make the mostverbtransitive
To make the best possible use of something, using it to its fullest extent, potential or ability.
The coach redesigned the offense to better utilize her speed.
The architects utilized every corner of the tiny apartment.
Similarexploit, harness, use
Oppositewaste
3
make doverbtransitive
To make do with something, using it in a way different from what it was originally meant for.
Without proper tools, we had to utilize a butter knife as a screwdriver.
The stranded hikers utilized their tent poles as splints for a broken leg.
Similaruse, employ

Practice

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Origin

From French utiliser, from Italian utilizzare, built on utile ("useful"), from Latin ūtilis, from ūtī ("to use").