must-have

American  

[muhst-hav] / ˈmʌstˈhæv /

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 British  

noun

1. an essential possession

   the mobile phone is now a must-have for children

---

adjective

1. essential

   a must-have fashion accessory

Etymology

Origin of must-have

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

Example Sentences

What saves American finance is the dollar’s status as the must-have global asset and trading currency.

From The Wall Street Journal

After you enter your providers, you’re taken to a screen where you’re offered the ability to select a “must-have” provider to narrow your search results and get a list limited to plans they participate in.

From MarketWatch

It includes some of our must-have tech, such as automatic emergency braking and steering, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and automatic high beams.

From MarketWatch

AirTags are a travel must-have, but replacing their coin-cell battery is a pain.

From The Wall Street Journal

With a base of white wine made in New York’s Finger Lakes region, this brand new, very pretty aperitif brimming with tropical botanicals is the season’s must-have spritz-maker.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• critical
• essential
• fundamental
• indispensable
• necessary
• required
• requisite
• vital