thing

The word “thing” means any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically. In plain terms, a very general word for an object, situation, or matter when you don't need (or can't think of) a more specific word.

“Thing” is pronounced THIHNG (/ˈθɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “thing” used in a sentence: “What is that thing on the shelf?”

“Thing” is a noun.

The word “thing” comes from Old English. From Old English þing, which originally meant a public assembly or legal matter, before broadening over centuries to mean almost any object or topic.

“Thing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Thing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically.

An object is usually something physical you can touch or see, with clear boundaries. A thing is broader and vaguer, covering not only objects but also ideas, actions, events, or situations, as in "the right thing to do." Every object is a thing, but not every thing is an object.

In modern casual speech, calling something "a thing" means it genuinely exists or has become a recognised trend or phenomenon, as in "Is that even a thing?" It is a way of questioning or confirming whether something is real, common, and accepted, rather than made up or one-off.

No, it is informal and vague, best suited to casual conversation. In formal or precise writing it is usually better to name the specific object, concept, or issue you mean, such as "document," "factor," or "problem," because "thing" can sound lazy or unclear when accuracy really matters.

The plural is "things," formed simply by adding -s. It refers to more than one object or matter, as in "pack your things" or "things are going well." The word is completely regular, with no spelling change to the root, and works for both physical items and abstract situations.