item
Americannoun
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a separate article or particular.
50 items on the list.
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a separate piece of information or news, as a short piece in a newspaper or broadcast.
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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.
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a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter I.
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an admonition or warning.
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Older Use. an intimation or hint.
adverb
verb (used with object)
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to set down or enter as an item, or by or in items.
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to make a note of.
noun
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a thing or unit, esp included in a list or collection
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accounting an entry in an account
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a piece of information, detail, or note
a news item
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informal two people having a romantic or sexual relationship
verb
adverb
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Still, if you opt for a bunch of low-cost or practical things to fill out an Easter basket, it doesn’t hurt to throw in a splurge item or two.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026
Two days later, the item was discounted by six dollars.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
Louis Lamb, a 22-year-old nurse from Brisbane, told AFP that travelling into North Korea was "a bucket-list item".
From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026
George Wilson sent to his young wife, Constance, in late 1943, an item that Wilson insisted was only to be opened in the event that he did not come back from a mission.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
We went from stall to stall, arguing about every item we picked out.
From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
