thing

thing

noun \ˈthiŋ\

Definition of THING

1

a : a matter of concern : affair <many things to do>

b plural : state of affairs in general or within a specified or implied sphere <things are improving>

c : a particular state of affairs : situation <look at this thing another way>

d : event, circumstance <that shooting was a terrible thing>

2

a : deed, act, accomplishment <do great things>

b : a product of work or activity <likes to build things>

c : the aim of effort or activity <the thing is to get well>

3

a : a separate and distinct individual quality, fact, idea, or usually entity

b : the concrete entity as distinguished from its appearances

c : a spatial entity

d : an inanimate object distinguished from a living being

4

a plural : possessions, effects <pack your things>

b : whatever may be possessed or owned or be the object of a right

c : an article of clothing <not a thing to wear>

d plural : equipment or utensils especially for a particular purpose <bring the tea things>

5

: an object or entity not precisely designated or capable of being designated <use this thing>

6

a : detail, point <checks every little thing>

b : a material or substance of a specified kind <avoid fatty things>

7

a : a spoken or written observation or point

b : idea, notion <says the first thing he thinks of>

c : a piece of news or information <couldn't get a thing out of him>

8

: individual <not a living thing in sight>

9

: the proper or fashionable way of behaving, talking, or dressing —used with the

10

a : a mild obsession or phobia <has a thing about driving>; also : the object of such an obsession or phobia

b : something (as an activity) that makes a strong appeal to the individual : forte, specialty <letting students do their own thing — Newsweek> <I think travelling is very much a novelist's thing — Philip Larkin>

Examples of THING

1. What is that thing on the floor?
2. He is good at making things out of clay.
3. My doctor told me to avoid fatty things like donuts and potato chips.
4. We must respect all living things.
5. Birth is a miraculous thing.
6. It was the worst thing that could have happened.
7. That sunset was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
8. Let's just forget about the whole thing and move on.
9. The one thing I hate most is being lied to.
10. Are all your things packed?

Origin of THING

Middle English, from Old English, thing, assembly; akin to Old High German ding thing, assembly, Gothic theihs time

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to THING

Synonyms

baby, being, bird, bod [British], body, character, cookie (or cooky), creature, customer, devil, duck, egg, face, fish, guy, head, human being, individual, life, man, mortal, party, person, personage, scout, slob, sort, soul, specimen, stiff, human, wight

Related Words

hominid, homo, humanoid; brother, fellow, fellowman, neighbor; celebrity, personality, self, somebody

Near Antonyms

animal, beast, beastie, brute, critter

Rhymes with THING

bring, Ching, cling, ding, fling, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, sling, spring, sting, string, swing, wing, wring, zing