item

American  

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

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.

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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

• subitem noun

Etymology

Origin of item

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

Example Sentences

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization—a metric that strips out exceptional and other one-off items—increased to 4.52 billion pounds from 4.15 billion pounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most companies don’t report revenue from loyalty programs as a separate line item, but executives say rewards programs help keep customers coming back and spending more.

From Barron's

Agenda items almost always include the families’ investments, philanthropy and family matters such as updates from moms and dads.

From The Wall Street Journal

Seiden said he has brokered a handful of tariff claims with a total face value of $20 million for companies selling items including Christmas decorations, pharmaceuticals and imported foods.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stripping out certain one-time items, the company reported earnings of 32 cents a share, ahead of analysts’ estimates of 27 cents a share, according to FactSet.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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