Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

the real thing

noun

Definition of the real thing

: 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.

Word by Word Definitions

real play

  1. : having objective independent existence

  2. : not artificial, fraudulent, or illusory : genuine

  3. : occurring or existing in actuality

  1. : very, really

  1. : a real thing

  1. : the basic monetary unit of Brazil — see Money Table

  2. : a former monetary unit and coin of Portugal

  1. : a former monetary unit and coin of Spain and its possessions

See the full definition of real
thing play

  1. : an object or entity not precisely designated or capable of being designated

  2. : an inanimate object distinguished from a living being

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

See the full definition of thing

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up the real thing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games