user

¹ American  

[yoo-zer] / ˈyu zər /

noun

1. a person or thing that uses.

2. a person who is addicted to or abuses a controlled substance or alcohol; one who uses illegal or addictive drugs, as in

3. Digital Technology. a person who uses a computer, device, or application.

   This interface should be more intuitive for users.

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user ² American  

[oo-zer] / ˈu zər /

noun

Law.

1. the exercise of a right to the enjoyment of property.

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user British  

/ ˈjuːzə /

noun

1. law

   1. the continued exercise, use, or enjoyment of a right, esp in property

   2. a presumptive right based on long-continued use

      right of user

2. (often in combination) a person or thing that uses

   a road-user

3. informal a drug addict

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Usage

What is a user? A user is someone or something that employs or puts someone or something into service, as in The instructions are written for users of the microwave.In technology, a user is the person who uses a particular piece of hardware (such as a computer) or software (such as a website or app), as in Users complain about frequent updates.User can also refer to someone who regularly takes illegal or addictive drugs. (The verb use can mean to regularly take such drugs, as in I stopped using five years ago.)Example: The user should be able to send and receive messages quickly.

Etymology

Origin of user¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English usere; use, -er ¹

Origin of user²

Noun use of Anglo-French user to use

Example Sentences

Over the past few years, some iPhone users noticed their have texts have become rife with mangled words and strange punctuation.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to a recent study on wearable fitness users in Canada, where one in four people sport a wearable medical device, demographic characteristics associated with wearing devices to monitor sleep include having a mental disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Apple spokeswoman said users’ common spelling errors might cause some autocorrect issues.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the premium smartphone market widely seen as saturated, Cook has increasingly turned to selling digital content and services to the company's vast existing base of users.

From Barron's

Some social media users and experts say these AI takes on popular shows are nothing but cheap entertainment preying on shortened attention spans.

From BBC

Related Words

• addict
• drug abuser
• drug addict
• drug user
• junkie
• narcotics addict