Item: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a single thing or unit, often in a list or collection. Commonly used in shopping, inventory, or documentation.

• I need to buy a few items from the grocery store.
• This item is out of stock.

Used when referring to a particular object, often one belonging to a specific category or type, such as clothing, or in legal terms. Can also refer to a piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine.

• She wrote an interesting article for the magazine.
• He donated several articles of clothing to the charity.

Used when referring to a tangible, physical entity, especially in the context of describing its properties, locating it, or referring to it in general.

• The museum has many historical objects.
• He pointed to a strange object in the sky.

Used when referring to a part or portion of something larger, or a single work of art, music, or writing.

• I'd like a piece of cake, please.
• She played a beautiful piece on the piano.

Like the first 'item,' this word is often used interchangeably to refer to a single object or element in a list or collection.

• Please check off each item on the list.
• We have a new item in our catalog.

Primarily used to refer to a piece of writing, such as a report, essay, or story, usually found in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

• I read an interesting article about climate change.
• She wrote an article for the local newspaper.

Commonly used to refer to a part of something or an individual item within a collection. It can also apply to works of art, music, or writing.

• He gave me a piece of his birthday cake.
• She played a beautiful piece on the piano.
• He wrote a piece for the school magazine.

Refers to newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events. It is commonly used when discussing current events or updates reported in the media.

• I heard on the news that there was an earthquake.
• The news about the economy is quite concerning.

Used in general contexts to refer to a single thing within a list, collection, or set.

• She ticked off each item on her shopping list.
• The lost item was finally found in the attic.

Often used in scientific, technical, or complex discussions to refer to a fundamental or essential part of something larger.

• Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
• Trust is a crucial element in any relationship.

Typically used when referring to a record or piece of data entered into a system, book, or list.

• Her diary has a new entry for every day of the year.
• Please enter the new contact information as a new entry in the database.

Commonly used to refer to a physical or tangible item that can be seen and touched, especially in scientific or everyday conversations.

• He picked up an object lying on the ground.
• Many objects in the museum are centuries old.