1
: an object or entity not precisely designated or capable of being designated
use this thing
2
a
: an inanimate object distinguished from a living being
b
: a separate and distinct individual quality, fact, idea, or usually entity
c
: the concrete entity as distinguished from its appearances
d
: a spatial entity
3
: individual
not a living thing in sight
4
a
: a matter of concern : affair
many things to do
b
things 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
Meeting her was a wonderful thing.
5
a
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
things plural
: equipment or utensils especially for a particular purpose
bring the tea things
6
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
7
b
: a mild obsession or phobia
has a thing about driving
also
: the object of such an obsession or phobia
8
9
10
: the proper or fashionable way of behaving, talking, or dressing
—used with the
Examples of thing in a Sentence
What is that thing on the floor?
He is good at making things out of clay.
My doctor told me to avoid fatty things like donuts and potato chips.
We must respect all living things.
Birth is a miraculous thing.
It was the worst thing that could have happened.
That sunset was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
Let's just forget about the whole thing and move on.
The one thing I hate most is being lied to.
Are all your things packed?
Recent Examples on the Web
One thing's for certain, The Boring Company's tunnel to BNA will be anything but boring.
—
Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 29 July 2025
Both families are wanting charges to be brought forward, but Joe knows his daughter has one thing to focus on at the moment.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Baseball Prospectus: Dropping three straight games to the Blue Jays is one thing; three straight to the Pirates is a whole other cause for worry.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
Arizona's dynamic food and dining scene was recently in the national spotlight when Food Network released a list of the best things to eat in the state as part of their United Plates of America series.
—Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for thing
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 29 July 2025
Both families are wanting charges to be brought forward, but Joe knows his daughter has one thing to focus on at the moment.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Baseball Prospectus: Dropping three straight games to the Blue Jays is one thing; three straight to the Pirates is a whole other cause for worry.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
Arizona's dynamic food and dining scene was recently in the national spotlight when Food Network released a list of the best things to eat in the state as part of their United Plates of America series.
—Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for thing
Cite this Entry
“Thing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thing. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thing
noun1
a
: a matter of concern : affair
many things to do
b
plural
: state of affairs
things are improving
c
: situation sense 3
look at this thing another way
d
: event sense 1a, circumstance
the flood was a terrible thing
e
: something one does well or likes to do
do your thing
2
a
: deed entry 1 sense 1, act
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
3
: a particular object
especially
: a lifeless object
how do you work this thing?
4
a
plural
: belongings
pack your things
b
: an article of clothing
not a thing to wear
5
a
: detail entry 1 sense 1b
checks every little thing
b
: a material or substance of a particular kind
avoid starchy things
6
: idea sense 2, notion
says the first thing that comes to mind
7
: individual entry 2
poor little thing
8
: a piece of news or information
couldn't get a thing out of him
9
: the proper or fashionable way of behaving, talking, or dressing
—used with the
it is the thing to wear
10
: a usually mild fear or obsession
has a thing about snakes
11
: something (as an activity) that makes a strong appeal to the individual
allowed to do their own thing
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