usage

Usage is defined as the way that something is being used, or to the proper way to make use of something such as a word or phrase or tool.

(noun)

When the power company measures how and when people use power, this is an example of a study of usage.
When you use a word incorrectly, this is an example of an improper usage.

See usage in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act, way, or extent of using or treating; treatment; use
long-continued or established practice; habitual or customary use or way of acting; custom; habit
the way in which a word, phrase, etc. is used to express a particular idea; customary manner of using the words of a given language in speaking or writing, or an instance of this

Origin: OFr < ML usagium < L usus: see use

See usage in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The act, manner, or amount of using; use: the usage of a technical term; an instrument that measures water usage.
b. The act or manner of treating; treatment: subjected the car to rough usage.
A usual, habitual, or accepted practice. See Synonyms at habit.
The way in which words or phrases are actually used, spoken, or written in a speech community.
A particular expression in speech or writing: a nonce usage.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from us

Origin: , from Latin ūsus

Origin: , from past participle of ūtī, to use

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