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”

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

The $59.50 13-inch doll is the only item with a strict “limit one per customer” rule, and regularly resells for hundreds online.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Every once in a while she will run across an item or article asking the question: “Whatever happened to Jane Kaczmarek?”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The hardest and most "important" item to source was the yellow flotation barrels, which are like those used by the characters in the blockbuster to track the shark.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

To calculate it yourself, start with a financial report line item called cash from operations, and then fully subtract capex.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“At three years old, the only item on Rae’s Christmas list was a dictionary.”

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

Related Words

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