Definition Definition

thing - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'thing' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Thing [ n.]
- Whatever exists, or is conceived to exist, as a separate entity, whether animate or inanimate; any separable or distinguishable object of thought.
- An inanimate object, in distinction from a living being; any lifeless material.
- A transaction or occurrence; an event; a deed.
- A portion or part; something.
- A diminutive or slighted object; any object viewed as merely existing; -- often used in pity or contempt.
- Clothes; furniture; appurtenances; luggage; as, to pack or store one's things.
- Whatever may be possessed or owned; a property; -- distinguished from person.
- In Scandinavian countries, a legislative or judicial assembly.

Meaning of 'thing' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . thing [ n]
Meaning (1):
- an event
Example in sentence:
  • a funny thing happened on the way to the...
Meaning (2):
- a special abstraction
Example in sentence:
  • a thing of the spirit;
  • things of the heart
Meaning (3):
- a persistent illogical feeling of desire or aversion
Example in sentence:
  • he has a thing about seafood;
  • she has a thing about him
Meaning (4):
- a statement regarded as an object
Example in sentence:
  • how can you say such a thing?;
  • to say the same thing in other terms
Meaning (5):
- an action
Example in sentence:
  • how could you do such a thing?
Meaning (6):
- an artifact
Example in sentence:
  • how does this thing work?
Meaning (7):
- an entity that is not named specifically
Example in sentence:
  • I couldn't tell what the thing was
Meaning (8):
- a special situation
Example in sentence:
  • it is a remarkable thing;
  • this thing has got to end
Meaning (9):
- a vaguely specified concern
Example in sentence:
  • it is none of your affair;
  • several matters to attend to;
  • things are going well
Meaning (10):
- any attribute or quality considered as having its own existence
Example in sentence:
  • the thing I like about her is ...
Meaning (11):
- a special objective
Example in sentence:
  • the thing is to stay in bounds