[+ obj] 1 somewhat formal a : to use (something) for a particular purpose or to do something
▪ She employed [=used] a pen for sketching wildlife. ▪ a method (widely/commonly/frequently) employed to improve garden soil ▪ The company is accused of employing questionable methods to obtain the contract.
b : to use or direct (something, such as your time or effort) in order to achieve a particular goal
▪ You should find better ways to employ your time. ▪ Your time could be better employed [=spent] in learning a new skill. 2 a : to use or get the services of (someone) to do a particular job
▪ I had to employ a lawyer to review the contract.
b : to provide (someone) with a job that pays wages or a salary
▪ It's a small company, employing a staff of only 20. ▪ He's employed by the local drugstore. [=he has a job at the local drugstore] ▪ She hasn't been gainfully employed [=hasn't had a job that pays wages or a salary] for a few years. — often + as ▪ She's been employed as a gardener for many years.
▪ She employed [=used] a pen for sketching wildlife. ▪ a method (widely/commonly/frequently) employed to improve garden soil ▪ The company is accused of employing questionable methods to obtain the contract.
b : to use or direct (something, such as your time or effort) in order to achieve a particular goal
▪ You should find better ways to employ your time. ▪ Your time could be better employed [=spent] in learning a new skill.
▪ I had to employ a lawyer to review the contract.
b : to provide (someone) with a job that pays wages or a salary
▪ It's a small company, employing a staff of only 20. ▪ He's employed by the local drugstore. [=he has a job at the local drugstore] ▪ She hasn't been gainfully employed [=hasn't had a job that pays wages or a salary] for a few years. — often + as ▪ She's been employed as a gardener for many years.







