Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » thing

thing

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a thing is an object, an act, or a step.

(noun)

An example of a thing is a bottle opener.
An example of a thing is an exciting event in a person's life, a great thing.
An example of a thing is the next action to be taken, the next thing.

See thing in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any matter, circumstance, affair, or concern: often used in pl.: how are things?
that which is done, has been done, or is to be done; happening, act, deed, incident, event, etc.: to accomplish great things
that which constitutes an end to be achieved, a step in a process, etc.: the next thing is to mix thoroughly
anything conceived of or referred to as existing as an individual, distinguishable entity; specif.,
1. any single entity distinguished from all others: each thing in the universe
2. a tangible object, as distinguished from a concept, quality, etc.: paintings and other beautiful things
3. an inanimate object
4. an item, detail, etc.: go over each thing in the list
5. the object or concept referred to or represented by a word, symbol, or sign; referent
6. an object of thought; idea: think the right things
1. personal belongings; also, clothes or clothing
2. a dress, garment, etc.: not a thing to wear
articles, devices, etc. used for some purpose
a person: used in expressions of affection, pity, contempt, etc.: poor thing
a being, object, or concept the exact term for which is not known or recalled or is avoided, as from disdain: where did you buy that thing?
Informal a point of contention; issue: don't make a thing of it
☆ Informal a complex, often neurotic liking, fear, aversion, etc. with regard to some person, thing, or activity: to have a thing about flying
☆ Informal what one wants to do or is adept at: do one's own thing
Law that which may be owned; a property

Origin: ME < OE, council, court, controversy, akin to Ger ding, ON thing (orig. sense, “public assembly,” hence, “subject of discussion, matter, thing”) < IE *tenk-, to stretch, period of time < base *ten-, to stretch > thin

noun

a Scandinavian legislative body

Origin: ON, assembly: see thing

See thing in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An entity, an idea, or a quality perceived, known, or thought to have its own existence.
a. The real or concrete substance of an entity.
b. An entity existing in space and time.
c. An inanimate object.
Something referred to by a word, a symbol, a sign, or an idea; a referent.
A creature: the poor little thing.
An individual object: There wasn't a thing in sight.
a. Law That which can be possessed or owned. Often used in the plural: things personal; things real.
b. things Possessions; belongings: packed her things and left.
c. An article of clothing: Put on your things and let's go.
things The equipment needed for an activity or a special purpose: Where are my cleaning things?
An object or entity that is not or cannot be named specifically: What is this thing for?
a. An act, deed, or work: promised to do great things.
b. The result of work or activity: is always building things.
A thought, a notion, or an utterance: What a rotten thing to say!
A piece of information: wouldn't tell me a thing about the project.
A means to an end: just the thing to increase sales.
An end or objective: In blackjack, the thing is to get nearest to 21 without going over.
A matter of concern: many things on my mind.
A turn of events; a circumstance: The accident was a terrible thing.
a. things The general state of affairs; conditions: “Beneath the smooth surface of things, something was wrong” (Tom Wicker).
b. A particular state of affairs; a situation: Let's deal with this thing promptly.
Informal A persistent illogical feeling, as a desire or an aversion; an obsession: has a thing about seafood.
Informal The latest fad or fashion; the rage: Drag racing was the thing then.
Slang An activity uniquely suitable and satisfying to one: Let him do his own thing. See Synonyms at forte¹.