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

Etymology

Origin of item

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

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

Secretary Lonnie Bunch III’s Sept. 8 announcement that he will retire by year-end puts this item well on its way to completion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

Not everyone was happy with the new format and there were complaints that a serious, and sometimes emotionally draining sequence, was followed by a quirky item on, for example, rude-looking vegetables.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

Ventura County’s bomb squad warned if anyone comes across an item that looks like a bomb or other piece of military equipment, they should leave the item in place, evacuate the area and call 911.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

The proposal -- echoing the restaurant shorthand "86" for an item that is off the menu -- pits zealous reformers against vested interests, with an electorate knowing little about the issue.

From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026

It seemed to be a handy and informative item.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Her ex-fiancé feared that the same person would continue to “misappropriate” items belonging to the actor’s estate.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

As more products move through automated warehouses, the Tetris-like task of building pallets should become more precise because software will have more items to choose from, said Montgomery.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

The filing cites items that were seized from her home in a federal investigation with no assurance that they will be returned, as well as unauthorized people who gained access to her Los Angeles residence.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

Dozens of separate grocery warehouses handle cold and frozen items.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

When he arrived in the windowed room at the back of the Shipwreck, C.C. had already set up the big wooden table with many items.

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

Related Words

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