item

[ noun verb ahy-tuhm; adverb ahy-tem ]

noun

1. a separate article or particular:

   50 items on the list.

   Synonyms: entry, heading, thing

2. a separate piece of information or news, as a short piece in a newspaper or broadcast.
3. Slang. something suitable for a news paragraph or as a topic of gossip, especially something that is sensational or scandalous:

   The bandleader and the new female singer are an item.

4. a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter I.
5. an admonition or warning.
6. Older Use. an intimation or hint.

adverb

1. also; likewise (used especially to introduce each article or statement in a list or series).

verb (used with object)

, Archaic.

1. to set down or enter as an item, or by or in items.
2. to make a note of.

item

noun

1. a thing or unit, esp included in a list or collection
2. accounting an entry in an account
3. a piece of information, detail, or note

   a news item

4. informal.
   two people having a romantic or sexual relationship

verb

1. tr an archaic word for itemize

adverb

1. likewise; also

Other Words From

• sub·item noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of item¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “likewise” (adverb), “the same” (noun), from Latin: “likewise”

Word History and Origins

Origin of item¹

C14 (adv) from Latin: in like manner

Example Sentences

E-waste is now the most frequently seized item, accounting for one in six of all types of waste seizures globally, the World Customs Organisation has found.

From BBC

Among the more unusual items in his collection is a full set of Tudor "Flutter-Byes" – butterfly brooch pins which customers could claim from the company.

From BBC

UD: If he is confirmed by the Senate, should public health officials who oppose his appointment, or who disagree with some items on his agenda, try to find common ground and work with him?

From Salon

"We sifted through the clothes that had come to us in donation and picked out all the red items. Then we zeroed in on the outfits we wanted to make and began putting them together."

From BBC

That earthquake reportedly was strong enough to toss items off a counter and cause a wall to crack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• component
• element
• feature
• information
• piece
• thing