thing: Meaning and Definition of

thing

Pronunciation: (thing), [key]
— n.
  1. a material object without life or consciousness; an inanimate object.
  2. some entity, object, or creature that is not or cannot be specifically designated or precisely described: The stick had a brass thing on it.
  3. anything that is or may become an object of thought: things of the spirit.
  4. matters; affairs: Things are going well now.
  5. a fact, circumstance, or state of affairs: It is a curious thing.
  6. an action, deed, event, or performance: to do great things; His death was a horrible thing.
  7. a particular, respect, or detail: perfect in all things.
  8. aim; objective: The thing is to reach this line with the ball.
  9. an article of clothing: I don't have a thing to wear.
  10. I'll wash the breakfast things.
    1. implements, utensils, or other articles for service:I'll wash the breakfast things.
    2. personal possessions or belongings:Pack your things and go!
  11. a task; chore: I've got a lot of things to do today.
  12. a living being or creature: His baby's a cute little thing.
  13. a thought or statement: I have just one thing to say to you.
  14. a peculiar attitude or feeling, either positive or negative, toward something; mental quirk: She has a thing about cats.
  15. something signified or represented, as distinguished from a word, symbol, or idea representing it.
  16. anything that may be the subject of a property right.
  17. to pursue a lifestyle that expresses one's self.
  18. to turn (a situation, experience, etc.) to one's own profit; benefit by: She made a good thing of her spare-time hobbies.
  19. See
  20. The police couldn't get a thing out of him.
    1. to be unable to obtain information or news from:The police couldn't get a thing out of him.
    2. to fail to appreciate, understand, or derive aesthetic pleasure from:My wife likes opera, but I don't get a thing out of it.
  21. to have hallucinations.
  22. That café is the thing now.
    1. something that is correct or fashionable:That café is the thing now.
    2. that which is expedient or necessary:The thing to do is to tell them the truth.

thing

Pronunciation: (thing, ting), [key]
  1. (in Scandinavian countries) a public meeting or assembly, esp. a legislative assembly or a court of law.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also: