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item Meaning & Definition

/ˈaɪ.təm/

What Does Item Mean?

As a noun, item means A distinct physical object. It is also used to mean An object that can be picked up for later use. As a verb, it means To make a note of. As an adverb, it means likewise.

Quick Facts About Item

Part of speechnoun, verb, adverb
Pronunciation/ˈaɪ.təm/
Syllables2
Synonymspoint, particular and detail
Pluralitems
Verb formsitems, iteming, itemed

Item Definition (Noun)

  1. A distinct physical object.

    Tweezers are great for manipulating small items.

  2. An object that can be picked up for later use.
  3. A line of text having a legal or other meaning; a separate particular in an account.

    the items in a bill

  4. A question on a test, which may include its answers.

    The exam has 100 items, each of which includes a correct response and three distractors.

  5. A matter for discussion in an agenda.

    The first item for discussion is the budget for next year's picnic.

  6. Two people who are having a romantic or sexual relationship with each other.

    Jack and Jill are an item.

  7. A short article in a newspaper.

    an item concerning the weather

  8. A hint; an innuendo.
  9. Ellipsis of item girl.

Item as a Verb

  1. To make a note of.

Item as an Adverb

  1. likewise

Noun

  1. (by extension) An object that can be picked up for later use.
  2. (psychometrics) A question on a test, which may include its answers.

    The exam has 100 items, each of which includes a correct response and three distractors.

  3. Two people who are having a relationship with each other.

    Jack and Jill are an item.

Synonyms of Item

Item synonyms and antonyms →

Item in a Sentence

Tweezers are great for manipulating small items.

the items in a bill

In response to the first item, we deny all wrongdoing.

The exam has 100 items, each of which includes a correct response and three distractors.

The first item for discussion is the budget for next year's picnic.

Jack and Jill are an item.

an item concerning the weather

Word Forms & Grammar

item (plural items)

item (third-person singular simple present items, present participle iteming, simple past and past participle itemed)

item (not comparable)

Words That Rhyme With Item

bite himcite himdelight himdespite himexcite himextradite himfight himfreiheit imfright himincite himindict himinvite himknight himlight himreunite himsight himslight himslight humsmite himspite himstreit umunite himwhy timwrite himzeit imzeit um

Origin of Item

From Middle English item, from Latin item (“also; in the same manner”). The present English meaning derives from a usage in lists, where the first entry would begin in primis (“firstly”) or imprimis, and the other entries with item (“also, moreover”). Later, the members of lists were referred to as "items".

Pronouncing Item

Item is pronounced /ˈaɪ.təm/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (aɪ).

Item: Your Questions Answered

Is item a noun or a verb?

Item is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb and an adverb.

What is another word for item?

Close synonyms of item are point, particular and detail. See the full list of item synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of item?

The plural of item is items.

What is the past tense of item?

The past tense of item is itemed. The present participle is iteming.

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