stuff

The word “stuff” means miscellaneous items, belongings, or unspecified material. In plain terms, a casual word for belongings or unspecified material, or (as a verb) to pack something full.

“Stuff” is pronounced stuhf (/stʌf/ in IPA).

Here is “stuff” used in a sentence: “Can you help me move my stuff into the new apartment?”

Depending on how it is used, “stuff” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “stuff” comes from Old French. From Old French estoffe, related to a Germanic root meaning "to fill" or "to plug up" — the same root behind stop.

“Stuff” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Stuff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: miscellaneous items, belongings, or unspecified material.

Stuff is informal. It is perfectly natural in conversation and casual writing, but in formal or professional contexts clearer words like belongings, possessions, materials, items, or equipment are preferred. Because stuff is deliberately vague, it works best when the exact things do not matter or are obvious from context.

Both are vague catch-all words, but things usually refers to separate, countable items, while stuff often means an uncountable mass or mixture. You would say "three things on the table" but "a load of stuff." Stuff also covers material or substance, whereas things leans toward distinct, individual objects.

For belongings, try possessions, things, or gear. For materials, use material, substance, or matter. For a general jumble, odds and ends or bits and pieces work well. Choosing a precise word usually sharpens your meaning, since stuff is intentionally broad and casual.

Informally, stuff can mean activities, topics, or ideas, as in "I've got loads of stuff to do" or "she knows her stuff." Here it stands in for tasks, knowledge, or subject matter rather than physical things. The word flexibly fills in for almost anything left unspecified.