item

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A single thing in a group or on a list

   There were several items on the shopping list.

2. 2
   noun

   A separate physical object

   Tweezers are great for picking up small items.

3. 3
   noun

   A subject to be discussed in a meeting

   The first item on the agenda is the budget.

4. 4
   noun

   A short piece of news in a newspaper or broadcast

   There was an interesting item about the weather.

5. 5
   noun

   Two people who are in a romantic relationship

   Jack and Jill are an item now.

From Middle English item, from Latin item (“also; in the same manner”). The present English meaning derives from a usage in lists, where the first entry would begin in primis (“firstly”) or imprimis, and the other entries with item (“also, moreover”). Later, the members of lists were referred to as "items".

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