item

1 of 3

noun

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
: and in addition : also
used to introduce each article in a list or enumeration

item

3 of 3

verb

itemed; iteming; items

transitive verb

1
archaic : compute, reckon
2
archaic : to set down the particular details of
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
Noun
Founded in La Jolla in 2017, the café serves vegan and gluten-free menu items and menu specialties include toasts, breakfast and lunch bowls, salads, soups and more. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024 Here are some must-have items, from a sun hat to comfortable sandals. Find more useful gardening tools here. Michael Snyder Pedro Kok, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 Despite filing the standard requests for discovery from the prosecutor’s office, Kennedy said, several items were initially withheld – including cell phone records and text messages. The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 Lost items may be claimed at the Guest Services Center across from Section 115 during an event. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024 The Sidekicks include three extra-long menu items, all of which are served warm and are meant to be paired with a sub. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024 There’s a main open compartment, a mesh pocket that’s big enough to hold a phone, and two smaller mesh pockets for stashing smaller items, like earbuds or hand sanitizer. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 Food options are solid and include items for gluten-free, vegetarian, and younger guests. Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 Chick-fil-A is known for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries – but its test kitchen is now offering customers an unexpected item to try: pizza. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024
Verb
Member credits can be redeemed for any two-piece outfit or item up to $80, online or in store. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 29 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'item.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near item

Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/item. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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