must-have
Americannoun
adjective
noun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of must-have
First recorded in 1835–40; noun use of verb phrase must have
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.
“Why are people interested in this basic tote bag? I think it’s because it just becomes a viral sensation online, and it becomes a real collectible thing, and it becomes a must-have item.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 19, 2026
“I loved these machines when we would go to the zoo. It was a must-have every time.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
Fast, free Wi-Fi has become a must-have in-flight amenity for passengers in recent years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026
Having a good contractor on call is now a must-have for companies building power plants, and they are willing to pay up for them.
From Barron's ● May 4, 2026
“It's to sweep out bad spirits. A must-have for a new space. Much like how Lian is lighting incense on her new altar.”
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
