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

• thing
• stuff
• detail
• particular
• point
• object
• article
• element

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

Finally, seal up wool, silk, down, and fur clothing items in plastic bags or bins to reduce the attraction to your closet and protect your clothes. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025

But one essential item travelers often overlook—or mismanage—is their medication. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025

Verb

Franklin recently appeared on a Fox 5/KUSI morning television program, calling the agenda item a sanctuary city policy. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025

Create comprehensive lists of all smart devices, determining which items will stay with the property and which items sellers will remove. —Nikhil Jain, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

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)