must-have

[muhst-hav]

noun

1. something considered absolutely necessary or essential to own.

   This cookbook is a must-have for chocolate lovers.

adjective

1. essential to own.

   a must-have black cocktail dress.

must-have

noun

1. an essential possession

   the mobile phone is now a must-have for children

adjective

1. essential

   a must-have fashion accessory

Word History and Origins

Origin of must-have¹

First recorded in 1835–40; noun use of verb phrase must have

Example Sentences

From family functions and get-togethers with friends to job applications and networking opportunities, not only has my phone become a must-have, but it’s shifted me to live a new kind of life—one that doesn’t involve interaction with others.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“The law is clear: competition, not coercion, should decide what news channels Americans can watch. By leveraging its must-have status, Fox has blocked new voices, suppressed consumer choice, and extracted excess profits.”

Read more on Salon

Cucurella is quickly becoming a FPL must-have.

Read more on BBC

The company is looking to make Peacock a must-have service while also providing more live content for NBC, which continues to cut back on scripted programming on the network.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When police searched a home in Upland as part of a recent burglary investigation, they weren’t looking for piles of cash or bags full of jewelry, but boxes of what has become the must-have item of the year.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• critical 
• essential 
• fundamental 
• indispensable 
• necessary 
• required www.thesaurus.com
• requisite 
• vital