First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1it
pronoun \ˈit, ət\
: that one just mentioned
—used as the subject of a verb that describes a condition or occurrence
—used in the place of a noun, phrase, or clause that usually comes later
Full Definition of IT
1
: that one —used as subject or direct object or indirect object of a verb or object of a preposition usually in reference to a lifeless thing <took a quick look at the house and noticed it was very old>, a plant <there is a rosebush near the fence and it is now blooming>, a person or animal whose sex is unknown or disregarded <don't know who it is>, a group of individuals or things, or an abstract entity <beauty is everywhere and it is a source of joy> — compare he, its, she, they
2
—used as subject of an impersonal verb that expresses a condition or action without reference to an agent <it is raining>
3
a —used as anticipatory subject or object of a verb <it is necessary to repeat the whole thing> ; often used to shift emphasis to a part of a statement other than the subject <it was in this city that the treaty was signed> b —used with many verbs as a direct object with little or no meaning <footed it back to camp>
4
—used to refer to an explicit or implicit state of affairs or circumstances <how is it going>
5
: a crucial or climactic point <this is it>
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Origin of IT
Middle English, from Old English hit — more at he
2it
noun \ˈit\
: the player in some children's games (such as hide-and-seek and tag) who performs the main action of the game (such as finding or catching other players)
Full Definition of IT
: the player in a game who performs the principal action of the game (as trying to find others in hide-and-seek)
See it defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of IT
1842
It
abbreviation
Definition of IT
Italian; Italy
IT
abbreviation
Definition of IT
information technology
IT Defined for Kids
1it
pronoun \ˈit, ət\
Definition of IT for Kids
1
: the thing, act, or matter about which these words are spoken or written <I like your jacket. Is it new?>
2
: the whole situation <How's it going?>
3
—used as a subject of a verb that expresses a condition or action without a doer <It's cold outside.>
2it
noun \ˈit\
Definition of IT for Kids
: the player who has to do something special in a children's game <Once you get tagged, you're it.>
IT
abbreviation
Definition of IT for Kids
information technology
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Seen & Heard
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