the real thing
noun
: something that is genuine and not a copy or imitation : something that is truly valuable or important
The diamond turned out to be the real thing.
You've done very well in your training. Let's just hope you're ready for the real thing.
Examples of the real thing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Here is why the liquid in the glass finally tastes like the real thing.
—
William Jones, Ascend Agency, 27 Feb. 2026
The play may be the thing, but for anyone who admires the work of Riz Ahmed, the whatever Riz Ahmed is doing next is the real thing.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2026
In 2011, Leng became the first person to fly the real thing.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Koolaburra by Ugg Slipper Ugg’s Koolaburra brand is known for its budget-friendly shoes that are just as comfortable as the real thing without the designer price tags.
—Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the real thing
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
William Jones, Ascend Agency, 27 Feb. 2026
The play may be the thing, but for anyone who admires the work of Riz Ahmed, the whatever Riz Ahmed is doing next is the real thing.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2026
In 2011, Leng became the first person to fly the real thing.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Koolaburra by Ugg Slipper Ugg’s Koolaburra brand is known for its budget-friendly shoes that are just as comfortable as the real thing without the designer price tags.
—Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the real thing
Cite this Entry
“The real thing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20real%20thing. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
