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
Gail Martin, who was working the front desk at the senior center, told me two food items keep her alive. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 An investigation by the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force revealed Edwards was receiving money from people on the outside in exchange for delivering items to inmates. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 All items are subject to editing for clarity and length. Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 Do not use the test if any of the items are damaged or open. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 What's the most expensive Oscars gift bag item ever? Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2024 Children's items, such as baby bottles and formula, will be allowed. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 The nonprofit group donates hundreds of quilts and other handmade items to various groups, including Rady Children’s Hospital, senior centers, hospitals, police and military groups. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 Each item has been hand-selected to match an infant’s developmental stage, making the most of tummy time and encouraging social awareness and the start of speech. Maya Polton, Parents, 8 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 19 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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