item
- a separate article or particular: 50 items on the list.
- a separate piece of information or news, as a short piece in a newspaper or broadcast.
- 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.
- a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter I.
- an admonition or warning.
- Older Use. an intimation or hint.
- also; likewise (used especially to introduce each article or statement in a list or series).
- to set down or enter as an item, or by or in items.
- to make a note of.
Origin of item
Synonyms
See more synonyms for item on Thesaurus.comExamples from the Web for item
Contemporary Examples
The item on federal prisoners was disturbing in a different way.
“They are very friendly and curious,” The Evening Independent wrote in 1979 in an item emphasizing their popularity and cuteness.
Lovable ‘Madagascar’ Penguins Are Known to Rape and Torture in Real LifeAsawin Suebsaeng
November 26, 2014
He could surmise one item in keeping with young women of Somali heritage.
There is no blood on this shirt nor has this item been altered in any way.
Who Designed Urban Outfitters's Bloody Kent State Shirt? They Won't SayAsawin Suebsaeng
September 15, 2014
This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today.
Who Designed Urban Outfitters's Bloody Kent State Shirt? They Won't SayAsawin Suebsaeng
September 15, 2014
Historical Examples
Item, the clyster repeated in the evening, as above, thirty sous.
The Imaginary InvalidMolire
I thanked him for the item, resolving to add it to my list of curious Americanisms.
Ruggles of Red GapHarry Leon Wilson
And I did not feel it essential to my regard for him to know every item of his past.
The First ViolinJessie Fothergill
Tall Clemence made a dirty remark about every item that she touched.
L'AssommoirEmile Zola
He had two carts laden with luggage—one item, a green parrot in a cage.
Things as They AreAmy Wilson-Carmichael
item
- a thing or unit, esp included in a list or collection
- accounting an entry in an account
- a piece of information, detail, or notea news item
- informal two people having a romantic or sexual relationship
- (tr) an archaic word for itemize
- likewise; also
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for item
late 14c. (adv.) "moreover, in addition," from Latin item (adv.) "likewise, just so, moreover," used to introduce a new fact or statement, probably from ita "thus," id "it" (see id) + adverbial ending -tem (cf. idem "the same"). Thus "a statement or maxim" (of the kind formerly introduced by the word item), first recorded 1560s. Meaning "detail of information" (especially in a newspaper) is from 1819; item "sexually linked unmarried couple" is 1970, probably from notion of being an item in the gossip columns. Noun sense of "an article of any kind" (1570s) developed from adverbial sense of "moreover, in addition," which was used before every article in a list (such as an inventory or bill).