26984 words

employ

10 definitions • 17 examples
1
to have someone work or do a job for you and pay them for it:

Examples:

How many people does your company employ?
employ someone as something Can't we employ someone as an assistant to help with all this paperwork?
[ + to infinitive ] We've employed a market researcher to find out what people really want from a cable TV system.
More people are now employed in service industries than in manufacturing.
2
to use something:
3
to spend time doing something:

Examples:

He was busily employed in lacing up his shoes.
4
to be working for someone:

Examples:

He questioned the immigration status of a nanny who had been in my employ.
5
to pay someone to work or do a job for you:

Examples:

6
to use something for a particular purpose:

Examples:

Jacobs employs this phrase repeatedly.
7
to have someone work or do a job for you and pay them for it:

Examples:

The call centre employs over 100 people.
employ sb as sth Mr Reid is employed as a lobbyist by the firm.
employ sb to do sth The fund employs an investment manager to manage its assets.
be employed in sth More than 100 staff currently employed in sales and marketing will lose their jobs.
8
to use something:

Examples:

employ sth to do sth The company also employs direct marketing and mail to reach potential customers.
Builders today employ more recycled materials than they used to.
9
to spend time doing something:

Examples:

We have been employed in updating the catalogue for most of the morning.
10
to be working for someone:

Examples:

She has been in the company's employ for twelve years.

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