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Showing results for must-have. Search instead for Must-haves.
Synonyms

must-have

American  
[muhst-hav] / ˈmʌstˈhæv /

noun

  1. something considered absolutely necessary or essential to own.

    This cookbook is a must-have for chocolate lovers.

adjective

  1. essential to own.

    a must-have black cocktail dress.
must-have British  

noun

  1. an essential possession

    the mobile phone is now a must-have for children
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. essential

    a must-have fashion accessory
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of must-have

First recorded in 1835–40; noun use of verb phrase must have

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Considering the 6,326-pound curb weight, the adaptive air suspension seems like a must-have.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fallow deer were first introduced by the Romans in small numbers, and the species expanded under the Normans when owning a deer park was a must-have for any self-respecting nobleman.

From BBC

Mince pies have also been a Christmas season must-have and now come in many luxurious flavours.

From BBC

With the holiday travel season ramping up, a good book is a must-have for airport delays or to give as the perfect gift.

From Los Angeles Times

Warner is a must-have for Paramount.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.