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.
Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as artificial intelligence challenges the legendary company to prove it can deliver yet another must-have innovation.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
Growing up, it was a must-have treat after long trips with my mom to the local shopping mall.
From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026
Paramount is planning to merge its Paramount+ service with Warner Bros' HBO Max to create what it hopes would be a must-have streaming service that can hold its own against competitors Netflix, Amazon and Disney.
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
Now a must-have iPhone accessory, the development of the first generation was infamous inside Apple for infighting among Ternus’s peers as they argued over how to keep the wireless ear buds connected via Bluetooth.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
Climbing trees is a must-have skill for survival—particularly if there is a predator, such as a leopard,around.
From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh
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.
