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

Toilets lacked basic items such as soap, while water gushing from the faucets was tinged brown.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"I'll put it near my emergency items at home, like the flashlight, just so I know it's there."

Read more on Barron's

Target reported slumping sales and said customers are spending cautiously on discretionary items such as home decor and apparel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For instance, B&M, Home Bargain and The Range shops have large garden centres and sell bulkier items which are easier to collect by car.

Read more on BBC

Thornton said “he” had the key to a storage unit, presumably where the items were being kept.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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