What does item mean?
An item is a distinct object, piece of information, product, or issue within a larger collection or arrangement. The word is especially useful when individual elements need to be counted, listed, discussed, or handled separately. In a shop or catalogue, an item may be a product; on an agenda, it is a subject for discussion; in the news, it is a report or story. The plural items is standard and commonly used for the separate elements of a collection. As a verb, item is less common than the related itemize, meaning to list the components of something in detail. Because item stresses separateness and individuality, it often appears in contexts involving inventories, orders, forms, reports, checklists, and negotiations. Its straightforward meaning and broad usefulness make it a common word in both formal writing and everyday conversation.
An individual object, piece of information, product, or element forming part of a collection, list, or arrangement.
"Please review the final item in the shipment before signing for it."
To list or enumerate the separate elements of something, especially as individual entries.
"The investigator itemized the evidence in a detailed report."
The standard plural is items. It is used for the individual elements of a collection, list, catalogue, transaction, or discussion.
"The shop sells vintage clothing and household items."
The word item comes from Latin, where it originally meant “also”—a surprisingly indirect path to a numbered object on a list.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How item is actually used
Item is a neutral and generally formal word, but it is widely used in everyday speech as well. In business, administrative, and commercial contexts, it often emphasizes an individually countable unit; in a newspaper or broadcast, a news item is a report about a particular event.