item

1 of 3

noun

ˈī-təm 

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  ˈī-təm 

: and in addition : also

—used to introduce each article in a list or enumeration

item

3 of 3

verb

ˈī-təm 

itemed; iteming; items

transitive verb

1

archaic : compute, reckon

2

archaic : to set down the particular details of

Synonyms

Noun

• detail
• particular
• point

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

Right now there are low-key deals to be found on high-quality items like Le Creuset cookware, Kiehl’s skin care, and more. —Malia Griggs, SELF, 15 Apr. 2024

Larger items will likely only fit if the second-row seats are removed, an inconvenient task. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024

Photos from the night, as well as fan videos, captured Swift — who wore the cap both backward and the regular way during the evening — wearing the item, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) posting a clip of the pair at Coachella next to a snap of Travis wearing the same cap. —Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024

The special counsel accused Hunter Biden of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019 while spending millions of dollars on drugs, escorts, exotic cars and other high-ticket items. —Tom Hals, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024

In July 2007, the agency's volume of single-piece first class mail — things like bill payments, letters and cards — stood at 2.7 billion items. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 12 Apr. 2024

The sign is just one of the many items Dickies moved over to its new offices — a reverent nod to its past. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2024

There will be an Artisan Walk on Alvarado Street, between Main and Vine Street, with handmade items from local artisans. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, insoluble fiber can be found in food items like wheat bran and vegetables and can help to both add bulk to stool and promote healthy bowel function. —Marilyn La Jeunesse, Glamour, 12 Apr. 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

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

Phrases Containing item

• collector's item
• line item
• line-item veto

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 

1

: a distinct part in an enumeration, account, or series

2

: a financial instrument (as a check or draft)