use up

verb

used up; using up; uses up

transitive verb

: to exhaust of strength or useful properties
land that has been used up

Examples of use up in a Sentence

we used up the last of the flour when we made the waffles
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But given that both the lander and tanker Starships will use up most of their propellant just getting into orbit, some independent observers estimate as many as 10 to 20 launches will be needed to gas up the lander for the flight to the moon. William Harwood, CBS News, 19 June 2025 This can be enormously helpful to getting a project completed on time without using up your cash reserves. Chris Scharman, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 The result is fabulously decadent and the perfect recipe for using up oodles and oodles of summer squash. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 June 2025 When a device is hacked, malicious software might be running in the background, using up memory and processing power. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for use up

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of use up was in 1712

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Use up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/use%20up. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

use up

verb
: to make complete use of : exhaust
used up all the supplies

More from Merriam-Webster on use up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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