How to pronounce used
Say it like YOOZD. Used is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce used. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- YOOZD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Used pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- YOOZDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of used
American and British speakers say used in essentially the same way: /juzd/ in the US and /juːzd/ in the UK.
British respelling: YOOZD.
What does used mean?
- employed in accomplishing something“the principle of surprise is the most used and misused of all the principles of war”
- (of persons) taken advantage of“after going out of his way to help his friend get the job he felt not appreciated but used”
- previously used or owned by another“bought a secondhand (or used) car”
Where does used come from?
From Middle English used, equivalent to use + -ed.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying used
How do you pronounce used?
Say YOOZD. The American pronunciation is /juzd/. In British English it is /juːzd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in used?
Used is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: YOOZD.
Do Americans and Brits say used the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /juzd/ and the British form is /juːzd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.