thing
THIHNG
Thing (noun) means any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically. Example: “What is that thing on the shelf?”
noun
1
Any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically.
"What is that thing on the shelf?"
"I have a few things to do before we leave."
"There's a strange thing in the garden, and I can't tell what it is."
2
A matter, situation, or topic under discussion.
"Money is a sensitive thing to bring up at dinner."
"Let's not talk about that thing again until everyone has calmed down."
"Holidays are a tricky thing to plan when the whole family has different wishes."
3
An action, fact, or event.
"The strangest thing happened on my way home."
"The best thing about the trip was the walk along the river."
"It was a kind thing to do, and she never forgot it."
How to use thing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA very general word for an object, situation, or matter when you don't need (or can't think of) a more specific word.
Common pairings
a good thing
the same thing
do the right thing
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like thing.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- things
- Past tense
- thinged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
What is that _____ on the shelf?
Etymology
From Old English þing, which originally meant a public assembly or legal matter, before broadening over centuries to mean almost any object or topic.
Related words
Rhymes for thing
See all rhymes for thing →Frequently asked questions
What does “thing” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “thing”?
“Thing” is pronounced THIHNG (/ˈθɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “thing” in a sentence?
Here is “thing” used in a sentence: “What is that thing on the shelf?”
What part of speech is “thing”?
“Thing” is a noun.
Where does the word “thing” come from?
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.
Is “thing” a common word?
“Thing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “thing” have?
“Thing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically.
What is the difference between a thing and an object?
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.
What does it mean when people say something is 'a thing'?
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.
Is 'thing' a formal word?
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.
What is the plural of 'thing'?
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.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing thing in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
This arises when people know the right thing to do but are unable to do it because of circumstances beyond their control.
From
The Conversation · Jul 24, 2026
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include thing:
