use up

verb

used up; using up; uses up

transitive verb

: to exhaust of strength or useful properties

land that has been used up

Synonyms

• absorb
• burn
• consume
• deplete
• devour
• drain
• draw down
• exhaust
• expend
• play out
• spend

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

As for the rest, make time for meal planning to use up any food that’s left; otherwise, donate to your local food pantry. —Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2024

Those clients should continue to top off those gifts by using up the additional exemption available each year, as the exemption is adjusted for inflation. —Christine Fletcher, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Here are a few other favorite recipes for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers: Leftover Turkey Collard Greens Collard’s smooth, thick leaves develop a silky texture after a long simmer, along with an earthy sweetness. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

If the losses exceed the gains, the investor can use up to $3,000 in losses to offset ordinary income. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

use up

verb

: to make complete use of : exhaust

used up all the supplies