must-have

[ muhst-hav ]

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

noun

1. an essential possession

   the mobile phone is now a must-have for children

adjective

1. essential

   a must-have fashion accessory

Word History and Origins

Origin of must-have¹

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

Example Sentences

It's now a must-have wardrobe staple, similar to that of the t-shirt or a pair of jeans.

From The Daily Beast

Must-have TV channels are out, and cheap work-arounds are in.

From The Daily Beast

Kitchenaid Stand Mixer  Still the king of stand mixers, and a must-have for anyone who bakes a lot.

From The Daily Beast

It remains the must-have accessory, the absence of it destined to whip up a firestorm of pettiness.

From The Daily Beast

And the shrinking of our must-have travel accessories down to one: a do-it-all smart phone.

From The Daily Beast

Respect for the other member of the marriage association is a must-have.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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