item

[ahy-tuhm, ahy-tem]

noun

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.

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

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

verb

1. (tr) an archaic word for itemize

adverb

1. likewise; also

Other Word Forms

• subitem noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of item¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of item¹

C14 (adv) from Latin: in like manner

Example Sentences

"The Winter Egg is truly one of the rarest items that you can find," Margo Oganesian, of Christie's told AFP ahead of Tuesday's sale at its London headquarters.

Read more on Barron's

Lee said he is drafting a checklist to Beijing for items that Hong Kong needs, such as drones for building inspection, burn-care supplies and laboratory-test materials.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Swiss government and parliament have urged voters to reject the two items, charging they would entail huge costs and could threaten the economy.

Read more on Barron's

At least one person on our team owns each of these items and they make great gifts for friends or even for yourself.

Read more on Barron's

Separately, Chasanoff said the study showed that the home-furnishing category was “highly promotional,” with prices falling on items that previously saw prices rise to counteract tariffs.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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