1. basic services such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage that are provided to homes and businesses
Usage: plural form
2. the usefulness or practical value of something
Usage: plural form; formal
3. computer programs designed to perform specific maintenance or support tasks
Usage: plural form; computing

Examples

• The monthly utilities bill includes electricity, water, and gas charges.
• When moving to a new apartment, don’t forget to set up your utilities.
• The storm knocked out utilities for thousands of residents.
• We need to evaluate the utilities of this new software before purchasing it.
• The computer came with several utilities for file management and system maintenance.
• Public utilities are regulated by the state government.
• These utilities help optimize your computer’s performance.