Item: Definition, Usage & Key Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：individual entry (item)

item 🔊

/ˈaɪ.təm/

A single, separate thing on a list, in a group, or in a set of information.

Item definition illustrated with a close-up photo of a shopping list entry.

individual entry 🔊

➕

/ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.əl ˈen.tri/

Refers to one distinct unit or point within a larger, organized collection such as a list, agenda, or dataset.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Latin 'item', meaning 'in like manner, also, likewise'. It was used adverbially in Medieval Latin to introduce each new article in a list, later becoming a noun for the listed thing itself.

💡 Mnemonic

**I TEm**! Think: "I need to check off each ITEM on my list." The sound 'I tem' reminds you of a task you need to 'item-ize'.

📖 Example

The first item on my shopping list is milk. 🔊 Milk is the first individual thing written on my list for shopping.

🔗 Collocations

agenda item – a single topic or issue scheduled for discussion in a meeting

news item – a single piece of news or report

🔄 Synonyms

entry (n.) – a single record or note in a list, diary, or reference book

point (n.) – a single detail, idea, or topic in a discussion or list

🌱 Derivatives

itemize (v.) – to list things separately

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'item' has a history rooted in accounting and documentation. Originating from the Latin adverb 'item' ('likewise', 'also'), it was used in medieval manuscripts and ledgers to sequentially introduce new entries, essentially meaning 'in the same way, the next thing is...'. This practical use for enumeration in lists, inventories, and financial records is the direct source of its modern meaning as a distinct unit within a series or collection.

Meaning 2：individual object (item)

item 🔊

/ˈaɪ.təm/

A single object or thing, especially one that is for sale.

Item as a physical object shown by a single product on a store shelf.

individual object 🔊

➕

/ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪdʒ.u.əl ˈɒb.dʒɪkt/

Describes a single physical object or piece, particularly when considered as a unit for sale, collection, or use.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My friend saw a beautiful handmade item at the craft market and decided to buy it. 🔊 At the market for handmade goods, my friend noticed a lovely single object and chose to purchase it.

🔗 Collocations

collector's item – an object valued for its rarity, quality, or sentimental appeal to collectors

lost property item – a single object that has been lost and handed in to an authority

🔄 Synonyms

article (n.) – a particular object or item, especially one of a specified type or for a specific purpose

object (n.) – a material thing that can be seen and touched

🌱 Derivatives

itemization (n.) – the act of listing things in detail