DictionaryAI

item

Y-tuhm/ˈaɪ.təm/

Pluralitems

9 meanings of item

Practice

  1. 1
    objectnouncountable
    One thing, seen separately from the others in a group, such as one thing you buy or pick up in a game.

    Like one toy in a box full of toys.

    Please put each item back on the shelf.

    She wrapped every item carefully before the move.

    UsageSay an item of clothing for one piece of clothing.

    Similarobject, piece, article, thing

  2. 2
    single entrynouncountable
    One separate thing on a list, menu, bill or meeting plan, such as a task, dish or point.

    Like one line written on a shopping list.

    The lawyer explained each item in the contract.

    Every item on the bill was checked before payment.

    UsageSay an item on the list or on the menu.

    Similarentry, point

    Note
  3. 3
    couplenouncolloquialcountable
    Two people who are dating each other.

    Everyone wondered if those two were an item.

    They became an item after the summer trip.

    UsageSay two people are an item when they are dating.

    Similarcouple

    Note
  4. 4
    news piecenouncountable
    A short news story in a newspaper or magazine, or on radio or television.

    Like a small story squeezed into a corner of the page.

    I read a short item about the school fair.

    The newspaper ran an item on the new park.

    UsageSay a news item for a short report.

    Similararticle, piece, report, story

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of item apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin item, meaning "also" or "in the same way." In lists, each new entry started with the word "item," so the entries themselves came to be called items.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 3 facts