thing

/THiNG/

noun: thing
plural noun: things
noun: the thing
noun: one’s thing
plural noun: one’s things

1. an object that one need not, cannot, or does not wish to give a specific name to.
   • personal belongings or clothing.
   • equipment, utensils, or other objects used for a particular purpose.
   • anything (used for emphasis).
     noun: a thing
   • used to express one’s disapproval of or contempt for something.
   • all that can be described in the specified way.
   • used euphemistically to refer to a man’s penis.
2. an inanimate material object as distinct from a living sentient being.
   • a living creature or plant.
   • used to express and give a reason for one’s pity, affection, approval, or contempt for a person or animal.
3. an action, activity, event, thought, or utterance.
   • circumstances, conditions, or matters that are unspecified.
   • an abstract entity, quality, or concept.
   • an example or type of something.
   • informal
     a situation or activity of a specified type or quality.
   • informal
     a romantic or sexual relationship.
   • informal
     an established or genuine phenomenon or practice (typically used in expressions registering
4. informal
   what is needed or required.
   • what is socially acceptable or fashionable.
5. informal
   one’s special interest or concern.
6. informal
   used to introduce or emphasize an important point.

Origin

Old English þing, þyng, of Germanic origin; related to German Ding . Early senses included ‘meeting’ and ‘matter, concern’ as well as ‘inanimate object’.

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THôt no. 1748408238