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thing

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noun British English pronunciation: thing /θɪŋ/ 
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singularthing
pluralthings
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [countable] an object, or an item. This word is used when you cannot or do not want to refer to the object or item in a more specific way

    What's that thing over there on the table?

    I gave her a little thing for her birthday.

    It's one of those gadget things, isn't it?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
    1. a.
      [countable] an object that you are not familiar with or do not know much about

      It's a thing used for looking inside people's ears.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
    2. b.

      things

       [plural] the objects that belong to a particular person or that are used for a particular purpose

      I'll pack my things for the trip tomorrow.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
    3. c.
      [countable] spoken used when you are angry, or used for referring to an object you do not like

      Turn that thing off and do your homework!

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
  2. 2
    [countable] an action, or an activity

    I have a lot of things to do today.

    I would have done the same thing in his situation.

    do the right thing:

    I gave back the money. Did I do the right thing?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
  3. 3
    [countable] a situation, or an event

    A funny thing happened to me today.

    I think we should just forget the whole thing.

    kind/sort of thing:

    She doesn't find that kind of thing funny.

    be onto a good thing (=in a good situation, job, arrangement etc):

    We're onto a good thing working here.

    in all things:

    Above all else, you must be honest in all things.

    make a big thing out of something (=behave as if something is more important, serious, dangerous etc than it really is):

    Don't make a big thing out of this – I just said I'd be late!

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
  4. 4
    [countable] [usually plural] a fact or a condition related to a particular situation, activity, person etc

    The first thing I want is a hot bath.

    If you could change three things about your job, what would they be?

    have/want things both ways (=avoid choosing between two different things):

    I'd like to live close to the beach and close to my office, but I can't have things both ways.

    all good things come to an end/must pass:

    Our vacation was great, but all good things come to an end.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
    1. a.
      [countable] used for referring to a particular aspect of a situation that you are making a comment about

      The thing I really like about Theresa is her sense of humour.

      the sad/weird/funny etc thing is:

      The sad thing is, she never loved him.

      it's a good/bad thing that:

      It's a good thing that you don't need to work late.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
    2. b.

      things

       [plural] all of the aspects of a particular situation

      The police soon got things under control.

      Try to see things from your wife's perspective.

      all things considered:

      All things considered, I think you'll be happier if you switch jobs.

      as things stand (=as they are):

      As things stand, it will be difficult to raise prices further.

      put things (=describe or show a situation in a particular way):

      The official government report puts things quite differently.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
    3. c.

      things

       [plural] used for talking about life in a general way

      Things have been getting better lately.

      The government hasn't done much to change things in the countryside.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
  5. 5
    [countable] an aspect of life

    I've become less concerned about material things.

    a thing of the past:

    His financial worries were a thing of the past.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
  6. 6
    [countable] an idea, a comment, or a piece of information

    There are some interesting things in your report.

    I have a few things to say to you.

    If anyone asks you what I said, don't say a thing.

    have things on your mind (=be thinking about them):

    I have a few things on my mind right now.

    the last thing on someone's mind (=something that someone is not thinking about now):

    On holiday, work is the last thing on my mind.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
  7. 7
    [countable] used for referring to other examples or details, especially when you cannot or do not want to refer to them in a more specific way

    What other things did he say to you?

    My parents send me money for food, rent, and other things.

    'Racism' means different things to different people.

    that kind/sort of thing:

    We spent the day swimming, playing on the beach, and that kind of thing.

    things like:

    I need to get a few things like milk, bread, and eggs.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing
  8. 8
    [countable] spoken a young person or animal that you like. This word is used for saying something nice to them or about them

    You poor thing, you cut your finger.

    Who's that pretty young thing I saw you with yesterday?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thing

phrases

This is the British English definition of thing. View American English definition of thing.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for thing.

 

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