Jump to:

• something
  something

  pronoun

  some thing; a certain undetermined or unspecified thing.
• -something
  -something

  combining form

something

American  

[suhm-thing] / ˈsʌmˌθɪŋ /

pronoun

1. some thing; a certain undetermined or unspecified thing.

   Something is wrong there.

   Something's happening.

2. an additional amount, as of cents or minutes, that is unknown, unspecified, or forgotten.

   He charged me ten something for the hat.

   Our train gets in at two something.

---

noun

1. Informal. a person or thing of some value or consequence.

   He is really something!

   This writer has something to say and she says it well.

adverb

1. in some degree; to some extent; somewhat.

2. Informal. to a high or extreme degree; quite.

   He took on something fierce about my tardiness.

something ¹ British  

/ ˈsʌmθɪŋ /

pronoun

1. an unspecified or unknown thing; some thing

   he knows something you don't

   take something warm with you

2. an unspecified or unknown amount; bit

   something less than a hundred

3. an impressive or important person, thing, or event

   isn't that something?

4. a remarkable person or thing

5. one unspecified thing or an alternative thing

---

adverb

1. to some degree; a little; somewhat

   to look something like me

2. informal (foll by an adjective) (intensifier)

   it hurts something awful

-something ² British  

combining form

1. 1. a person whose age can be approximately expressed by a specified decade

   2. ( as modifier )

      the thirtysomething market

---

something Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing something

• (something) or other
• buy something
• get (have) something on someone
• get something straight
• have something against
• hold (something) over
• hold something against
• look like something the cat dragged in
• make something of
• not put something past one
• on the ball, have something
• pull something on
• start something
• take something
• you know something

---

Etymology

Origin of something

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English sum thing; see some, thing ¹

Example Sentences

Additionally, just because something is “elective” and “not medically essential,” as you write, doesn’t mean it isn’t related to your health.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

But something has to give, and the choice is up to Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Almodóvar says he felt obliged to say something, but also notes that he can return to Spain where he lives and works.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

But Timothy Burbery of Marshall University believes Dante may have been imagining something much more physical and destructive.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

Jonah’s standing next to him, at the head of the bed, still giggling at something that must have been hilarious.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• object
• thing