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
OK, firstly, other Liverpool assets were perhaps unfortunate to miss out on this list - flying full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were consistently must-have picks.
From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026
Google Glass could be the next must-have gadget if the company can allay privacy fears and overcome its label as a ‘Segway for your face.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 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
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.
