item

American  

[ahy-tuhm, ahy-tem] / ˈaɪ təm, ˈaɪ tɛm /

noun

• items
  plural

1. a separate article or particular.

   50 items on the list.

   Synonyms:

   entry, heading, thing

2. a separate piece of information or news, as a short piece in a newspaper or broadcast.

3. Slang. something suitable for a news paragraph or as a topic of gossip, especially something that is sensational or scandalous.

   The bandleader and the new female singer are an item.

4. a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter I.

5. an admonition or warning.

6. Older Use. an intimation or hint.

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adverb

1. also; likewise (used especially to introduce each article or statement in a list or series).

verb (used with object)

Archaic.

1. to set down or enter as an item, or by or in items.

2. to make a note of.

item British  

noun

1. a thing or unit, esp included in a list or collection

2. accounting an entry in an account

3. a piece of information, detail, or note

   a news item

4. informal two people having a romantic or sexual relationship

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verb

1. (tr) an archaic word for itemize

adverb

1. likewise; also

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• subitem
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• items
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of item

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “likewise” (adverb), “the same” (noun), from Latin: “likewise”

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Explanation

An item is one thing, usually in a group or a list. At a restaurant, you might find yourself interested in a particular item on the menu (until you notice the price and decide to order a hamburger instead). Item is a Latin word meaning “likewise.” As early as the 15th century, this word was used in formal writing to introduce each point in a list (like a medieval version of the bullet point). The meaning of item has continued to evolve. Since the 1970s, it’s been used in casual speech to refer to a romantically involved couple: "Did you hear? Avery and Sam are an item!"

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

item items

“A $2,000 item six months ago is now $4,000. We are hand-to-mouth,” an executive at a machinery maker told ISM.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026

The fee will apply to each type of item in a package sent directly to consumers from outside the EU, regardless of the parcel's value.

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

The item is radioactive, though: Plugging it into any computer sends out a signal.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

Troy Vincent, the NFL executive vice president of football operations, told reporters Wednesday at the owners meetings in New York City that sportsmanship was a discussion item.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

“Governess. I need you to bring a small item of great value to the general’s house. Can you do that?”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Stripping out certain one-time items, adjusted earnings were $5.86 a share.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

We feature 167 recommendations, ranging from locally made items for L.A. lovers to fun stocking stuffers for kids and adults.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2026

He says he already owned some of the items.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

Relatives visit cemeteries and set up altars with food and other items their loved ones enjoyed in life.

From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2026

So Duane rummaged from room to room, putting together items he would like to bring back to his cave.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

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Related Words

• component
• element
• feature
• information
• piece
• thing

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