happening, done, or existing most of the time; typical or normal
It is usual for him to jog before breakfast.
Maria chose her usual seat by the café window.
✦ From late Middle English, from Old French usuel, based on Latin usus ‘a use’.
in most cases or on most occasions; normally
I usually take the bus to work, but today I walked.
Cats usually sleep for many hours during the day.
✦ from the adjective “usual” + the adverbial suffix “-ly,” recorded in English since the late 15th century
not common or ordinary; happening, seen, or done only rarely
It's unusual to see snow here in October.
Finding an empty seat on the rush-hour bus is unusual.
strange or surprising because it is different from what is expected or normal
The restaurant serves an unusual combination of chocolate and chili.
He has an unusual way of laughing that makes everyone smile.
the thing that someone regularly chooses or that usually happens, especially a person’s regular drink, meal, or order
"I'll have the usual, please," he told the barista.
At the diner, the waitress nodded when Sarah asked for the usual.
✦ Nominal use of the adjective phrase “the usual,” first recorded in the early 20th century in bar and café slang.
