item

1 of 3

noun

ˈī-təm How to pronounce item (audio)
Synonyms of itemnext
1
: a distinct part in an enumeration, account, or series : article
2
: an object of attention, concern, or interest
3
: a separate piece of news or information
4
: a couple in a romantic or sexual relationship
5
obsolete : warning, hint

item

2 of 3

adverb

ˈī-ˌtem How to pronounce item (audio) ˈī-təm How to pronounce item (audio)
: and in addition : also
—used to introduce each article in a list or enumeration

item

3 of 3

verb

ˈī-təm How to pronounce item (audio)
itemed; iteming; items

transitive verb

1
archaic : compute, reckon
2
archaic : to set down the particular details of

Synonyms

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for item

item, detail, particular mean one of the distinct parts of a whole.

item applies to each thing specified separately in a list or in a group of things that might be listed or enumerated.

every item on the list

detail applies to one of the small component parts of a larger whole such as a task, building, painting, narration, or process.

leave the details to others

particular stresses the smallness, singleness, and especially the concreteness of a detail or item.

a description that included few particulars

Examples of item in a Sentence

Noun There are several items for sale. I need to buy a few household items like soap. He always orders the most expensive item on the menu. There are a lot of items on our agenda tonight, so let's start the meeting. I saw an item in today's paper about the mayor's campaign plans.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Of the 100 items featured, most belong to workaday folks, but some belong to celebrities. —Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 Disneyland adds a few new surprises this Christmas holiday season Many of the most scrumptious looking items on the holiday menu are plays on popular dishes already beloved by Disneylanders. —Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
The intentional collection designed by Rae is comprised of pieces that can be worn on the day-to-day and also items ideal for evenings out with friends. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Sep. 2024 Ladylike Dressing: Then and Now A-line skirts, lady jackets, chic day clutches: These are just a few of the It items making up this fall’s ladylike-dressing trend. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for item 

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from Latin, from ita thus

First Known Use

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of item was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing item

Dictionary Entries Near item

I tell a lie

item

itemise

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/item. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

item

noun
ˈīt-əm
1
: a separate part in a list, account, or series
2
: a brief piece of news or an article reporting it

Legal Definition

item

noun
ˈī-təm How to pronounce item (audio)
1
: a distinct part in an enumeration, account, or series
2
: a financial instrument (as a check or draft)

More from Merriam-Webster on item

Nglish: Translation of item for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of item for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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