What does "thing" mean?
That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept.
Thing
/θɪŋ/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept.
- Grammar: thing is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: matter, accomplished fact, accomplishment, achievement.
- Useful contrasts: concept, creature, idea.
- Usage evidence: That's the stupidest thing I've ever said.
How to use "thing"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "thing" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "thing" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "thing" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "thing" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "thing" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "matter" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "thing", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept.
"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us..."
- 2 A public assembly or judicial council in a Germanic country. historical
"But when the earl held a Thing, then Thorkell spoke on behalf of the freemen, told the need of the men, and bade the earl spare his people."
- 3 a separate and self-contained entity wordnet
- 4 A word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity.
- 5 Nickname or appellative for numerous "things", including fictional characters. informal
Show 33 more definitions
- 6 an action wordnet
- 7 An individual object or distinct entity.
- 8 Nickname for the Volkswagen 181. US, informal, slang
- 9 an artifact wordnet
- 10 Whatever can be owned.
- 11 an entity that is not named specifically wordnet
- 12 Corporeal object.
- 13 any attribute or quality considered as having its own existence wordnet
- 14 Possessions or equipment; stuff; gear. in-plural
"Hold on, let me just grab my things."
- 15 a vaguely specified concern wordnet
- 16 The latest fad or fashion. dated
"To go to bed late, to rise late, to breakfast late, to dine late, and to visit late, is to be “quite the thing,” or in good English, which you may understand better than the first phrase, to be in the fashion."
- 17 a special abstraction wordnet
- 18 A custom or practice. informal
"Cheek kissing is a French thing; you get used to it after a while."
- 19 a special objective wordnet
- 20 A genuine concept, entity or phenomenon; something that actually exists (often contrary to expectation or belief). informal
"Q: Bacon pie? Is that a thing? A: Yes, I checked into it, and it's a thing. Some people are even connoisseurs about it."
- 21 a statement regarded as an object wordnet
- 22 A unit or container, usually containing consumable goods. informal
"Could you get me a thing of apple juice at the store?"
- 23 an event wordnet
- 24 A problem, dilemma, or complicating factor. informal
"The car looks cheap, but the thing is, I have doubts about its safety."
- 25 a persistent illogical feeling of desire or aversion wordnet
- 26 The central point; the crux. informal
"That's the thing: we don't know where he is."
- 27 a special situation wordnet
- 28 A penis. euphemistic, slang
"“Oh Gertie it’s true. It’s all true. They’ve got a horrid gash instead of a thrilling thing.”"
- 29 A vulva or vagina. euphemistic, slang
"‘They reckon she lets her dogs lick her thing.’"
- 30 A living being or creature.
"you poor thing"
- 31 Used after a noun to refer dismissively to the situation surrounding the noun's referent.
"Oh yeah, I'm supposed to promote that vision thing."
- 32 That which is favoured; personal preference. informal
"it's not really my thing"
- 33 One's typical routine, habits, or manner. informal
"let me do my thing; I'm here doing my thing"
- 34 A public assembly or judicial council in a Germanic country. historical
"In accordance with Old Germanic custom men came to the thing fully armed, [...]"
- 35 A romantic relationship. informal
"I can screw you in front of everyone. I don't care, we have a thing going on, you know. I love you,” she said."
- 36 A romantic couple. informal
"Are John and Jennifer a thing again? I thought they broke up."
- 37 Alternative form of ting. Multicultural-London-English, alt-of, alternative
- 38 Girl; attractive woman. Multicultural-London-English
"Look at the nyash on that thing!"
Verb
- 1 To express as a thing; to reify. rare
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever said."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "thing"?
Common synonyms include: matter, accomplished fact, accomplishment, achievement, act, acta.
How do you use "thing" in a sentence?
That's the stupidest thing I've ever said.
How do you pronounce "thing"?
Pronounced /θɪŋ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English thing, from Old English þing, from Proto-West Germanic *þing, from Proto-Germanic *þingą. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Ding (“thing”), West Frisian ting, ding (“thing”), Dutch ding (“thing”), German Low German Ding (“thing”), German Ding (“thing”), Swedish, Danish and Norwegian ting (“thing”), Faroese ting (“parliament, assembly”), Icelandic þing (“congress, assembly”). The word originally meant "assembly", then came to mean a specific issue discussed at such an assembly, and ultimately came to mean most broadly "an object". Compare Latin rēs, also meaning "legal matter", and same transition from Latin causa (“legal matter”) to "thing" in Romance languages. Modern use to refer to a Germanic assembly is likely influenced by cognates (from the same Proto-Germanic root) like Old Norse þing (“thing”), Danish ting, Swedish ting, and Old High German ding with this meaning.
Etymology 2
See thing.