noun

1. any matter, circumstance, affair, or concern: often used in pl. how are things?
2. that which is done, has been done, or is to be done; happening, act, deed, incident, event, etc. to accomplish great things
3. that which constitutes an end to be achieved, a step in a process, etc. the next thing is to mix thoroughly
4. 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
5. 1. personal belongings; also, clothes or clothing
   2. a dress, garment, etc. not a thing to wear
6. articles, devices, etc. used for some purpose
7. a person: used in expressions of affection, pity, contempt, etc. poor thing
8. 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?
9. Informal a point of contention; issue don't make a thing of it
10. ☆ Informal a complex, often neurotic liking, fear, aversion, etc. with regard to some person, thing, or activity to have a thing about flying
11. ☆ Informal what one wants to do or is adept at do one's own thing
12. Law that which may be owned; a property

Etymology: 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

Etymology: ON, assembly: see thing