First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1utility
noun util·i·ty \yü-ˈti-lə-tē\
: the quality or state of being useful
: a service (such as a supply of electricity or water) that is provided to the public
: a company that provides electricity, water, etc.
plural util·i·ties
Full Definition of UTILITY
1
: fitness for some purpose or worth to some end
2
: something useful or designed for use
3
a : public utility b (1) : a service (as light, power, or water) provided by a public utility (2) : equipment or a piece of equipment to provide such service or a comparable service
4
: a program or routine designed to perform or facilitate especially routine operations (as copying files or editing text) on a computer
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Origin of UTILITY
Middle English utilite, from Anglo-French utilité, from Latin utilitat, utilitas, from utilis useful, from uti to use
Related to UTILITY
- Synonyms
- account, avail, mileage, service, serviceability, serviceableness, usefulness, use
- Antonyms
- uselessness, worthlessness
Rhymes with UTILITY
2utility
adjective
: designed for general use
sports : able to be used in several different positions or roles
: made to be useful rather than decorative
Full Definition of UTILITY
1
: capable of serving as a substitute in various roles or positions <a utility infielder>
2
a : kept to provide a useful product or service rather than for show or as a pet <utility livestock> <a utility dog> b : being of a usable but inferior grade <utility beef>
3
: serving primarily for utility rather than beauty : utilitarian
4
: designed or adapted for general use <a utility tool>
5
: of or relating to a utility <a utility company>
See utility defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of UTILITY
1851
UTILITY Defined for Kids
utility
noun util·i·ty \yu̇-ˈti-lə-tē\
plural util·i·ties
Definition of UTILITY for Kids
1
: the quality or state of being useful
2
: a business that supplies a public service (as electricity or gas) under special regulation by the government
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