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

Xi raised it as the first item on his agenda, right after the festive red-carpet welcome, which he must have known would put Trump in a receptive mood.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

At least for now, Starlink is a watch item for airline investors and an example of how space-based technology is changing industries and consumer experiences.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

If a specific low-value item is what you actually want, experts suggest ordering it a la carte and reserving your “endless” capacity for the more expensive stuff.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

As President Trump prepares for his summit with Xi Jinping, Taiwan is often described as one more negotiable item in a crowded U.S.-China agenda that also includes tariffs, rare earths, Iran, fentanyl and export controls.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Vasiljevic’s strategy of appeasement was to give him whatever he wanted, even though the item might not have been mentioned in the contract.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

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