item

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   (used when listing or enumerating items) also

   a length of chain, item a hook-Philip Guedalla

2. 2
   noun

   a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list

   I noticed an item in the New York Times.

3. 3
   noun

   A distinct physical object.

   Tweezers are great for manipulating small items.

4. 4
   noun

   A line of text having a legal or other meaning; a separate particular in an account.

   the items in a bill

5. 5
   noun

   A question on a test, which may include its answers.

   The exam has 100 items, each of which includes a correct response and three distractors.

6. 6
   noun

   A matter for discussion in an agenda.

   The first item for discussion is the budget for next year's picnic.

7. 7
   noun

   Two people who are having a romantic or sexual relationship with each other.

   Jack and Jill are an item.

8. 8
   noun

   A short article in a newspaper.

   an item concerning the weather

Etymology

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".