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thing

noun \ˈthiŋ\

: an object whose name is not known or stated

: an object, animal, quality, etc., of any kind

: a particular event, occurrence, or situation

Full Definition of THING

a : a matter of concern : affair <many things to do>

b plural : state of affairs in general or within a specified or implied sphere <things are improving>

c : a particular state of affairs : situation <look at this thing another way>

d : event, circumstance <that shooting was a terrible thing>

a : deed, act, accomplishment <do great things>

b : a product of work or activity <likes to build things>

c : the aim of effort or activity <the thing is to get well>

a : a separate and distinct individual quality, fact, idea, or usually entity

b : the concrete entity as distinguished from its appearances

c : a spatial entity

d : an inanimate object distinguished from a living being

a plural : possessions, effects <pack your things>

b : whatever may be possessed or owned or be the object of a right

c : an article of clothing <not a thing to wear>

d plural : equipment or utensils especially for a particular purpose <bring the tea things>

: an object or entity not precisely designated or capable of being designated <use this thing>

a : detail, point <checks every little thing>

b : a material or substance of a specified kind <avoid fatty things>

a : a spoken or written observation or point

b : idea, notion <says the first thing he thinks of>

c : a piece of news or information <couldn't get a thing out of him>

: individual <not a living thing in sight>

: the proper or fashionable way of behaving, talking, or dressing —used with the

a : a mild obsession or phobia <has a thing about driving>; also : the object of such an obsession or phobia

b : something (as an activity) that makes a strong appeal to the individual : forte, specialty <letting students do their own thing — Newsweek> <I think travelling is very much a novelist's thing — Philip Larkin>

See thing defined for English-language learners

See thing defined for kids

Origin of THING

Middle English, from Old English, thing, assembly; akin to Old High German ding thing, assembly, Gothic theihs time

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to THING

Synonyms: baby, being, bird, bod [British], body, character, cookie (or cooky), creature, customer, devil, duck, egg, face, fish, guy, head, human being, individual, life, man, mortal, party, person, personage, scout, slob, sort, soul, specimen, stiff, human, wight

Rhymes with THING

bring, Ching, cling, ding, fling, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, sling, spring, sting, string, swing, wing, wring, zing

THING Defined for Kids

thing

noun \ˈthiŋ\

Definition of THING for Kids

: an act or matter that is or is to be done <I have a thing or two to take care of.> <You did the right thing.>

: something that exists and can be talked about <Nouns name people and things.> <Say the first thing that pops into your mind.> <How do you work this thing?>

things plural : personal possessions <Pack your things, we're leaving.>

: ¹detail 2 <He checks every little thing.>

things plural : existing conditions and circumstances <Things are improving.>

: event 1 <The accident was a terrible thing.>

: ¹deed 1, achievement, act <We expect great things from them.>

: a piece of clothing <not a thing to wear>

: what is needed or wanted <It's just the thing for a cold.>

: an action or interest especially that someone enjoys very much <Music is my thing.>

: ²individual 1 <“I can't stand reptiles. Get that thing away from me!” — Judy Blume, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing>

: a spoken or written observation or point <Mrs. Kemp was shocked. “What a thing to say about your little friend.” — Beverly Cleary, Ramona Quimby>