English Reference
noun

user

n.
US /ˈjuzɝ/ UK /jˈuːzɐ/ us·er UK spelling user's, user's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Computing

    a person who uses a computer, an app, or a website.

    an individual who operates a computer system or software, typically via a registered account.

    Simple

    The new app is very easy for the average user to understand.

    In context

    The system administrator reset the password after the user failed to authenticate their identity through the secure portal.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    someone who uses a specific product or service.

    a person who makes use of a particular facility, product, or service.

    Simple

    Regular users of the library can borrow up to ten books at a time.

    In context

    The city council conducted a survey to determine if frequent users of public transport were satisfied with the new bus routes.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a person who uses other people in a selfish or unfair way.

    an individual who habitually exploits others for personal gain or emotional support without offering anything in return.

    Simple

    She eventually realised he was just a user who only called when he needed money.

    In context

    In her memoir, she describes her former business partner as a cold-hearted user who discarded colleagues once they were no longer profitable.

    exploitermanipulator
    giveraltruist
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    a person who uses illegal drugs.

    an individual who habitually consumes controlled substances or illegal drugs.

    Simple

    The local clinic provides support and clean needles for drug users.

    In context

    Public health initiatives often focus on harm reduction strategies for long-term intravenous drug users within the urban core.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    the name you use to log in to a website or app.

    a shortened form of 'username', referring to the unique identifier for a digital account.

    Simple

    I forgot my user, so I had to ask the website to email it to me.

    In context

    Please ensure your user and password do not contain any special characters that might conflict with the database syntax.

Usage user experience · users often · allow user


From Middle English usere, equivalent to use + -er. Cognate with Scots usar, uiser (“user”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English usere
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated