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• something
  something

  pronoun

  some thing; a certain undetermined or unspecified thing.
• -something
  -something

  combining form

something

American  

[suhm-thing] / ˈsʌmˌθɪŋ /

pronoun

1. some thing; a certain undetermined or unspecified thing.

   Something is wrong there.

   Something's happening.

2. an additional amount, as of cents or minutes, that is unknown, unspecified, or forgotten.

   He charged me ten something for the hat.

   Our train gets in at two something.

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noun

1. Informal. a person or thing of some value or consequence.

   He is really something!

   This writer has something to say and she says it well.

adverb

1. in some degree; to some extent; somewhat.

2. Informal. to a high or extreme degree; quite.

   He took on something fierce about my tardiness.

something ¹ British  

/ ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

pronoun

1. an unspecified or unknown thing; some thing

   he knows something you don't

   take something warm with you

2. an unspecified or unknown amount; bit

   something less than a hundred

3. an impressive or important person, thing, or event

   isn't that something?

4. a remarkable person or thing

5. one unspecified thing or an alternative thing

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adverb

1. to some degree; a little; somewhat

   to look something like me

2. informal (foll by an adjective) (intensifier)

   it hurts something awful

-something ² British  

combining form

1. 1. a person whose age can be approximately expressed by a specified decade

   2. ( as modifier )

      the thirtysomething market

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something Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing something

• (something) or other
• buy something
• get (have) something on someone
• get something straight
• have something against
• hold (something) over
• hold something against
• look like something the cat dragged in
• make something of
• not put something past one
• on the ball, have something
• pull something on
• start something
• take something
• you know something

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Etymology

Origin of something

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English sum thing; see some, thing ¹

Example Sentences

Adopting a psychedelic-rock aesthetic, “Casket” was another stab at optimism; Brock wanted to create something intentionally upbeat to sweeten the sour, post-pandemic mood.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Now that he has to give up something, what does he give up?

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Weapons inspections are possible because there is something physical to inspect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

"Honestly, this flyover of the Statue of Liberty is something I never imagined I would be able to do in my life," Commander Brice Beaudouin, leader of the patrol, told AFP ahead of the flyover.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

What if the eye crinkles and the almost smiles are just him with something in his eye, or something stuck in his teeth?

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• object
• thing