The phrase "widespread use" refers to something that is commonly used or popular across a broad area, group or population. It means that an item, idea, technology, or practice has become widely accepted and adopted by many people, and it is prevalent in everyday life. The term can be applied to various things such as products, services, methods, ideas, etc., which have gained acceptance across a large section of society. In other words, "widespread use" indicates that something has become mainstream or widely accepted by the general public.