What does “thing” mean?
- 1
nounan object whose name you don’t need or don’t know
What’s that thing on the table?
- 2
nounan action, idea, event, or fact
The best thing about the trip was the food.
- 3
nounthings: your belongings, or life in general
Pack your things; we’re leaving. How are things at work?
Thing at a glance
- Part of speech
- noun
- CEFR level
- A1 (beginner)
- Pronunciation
- /θɪŋ/ · THING
How to use “thing” correctly
“The thing is …” is a common spoken way to introduce a problem: “The thing is, I don’t have a car.”
Common phrases with “thing”
- the main thing
- the same thing
- do the right thing
- first thing
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Idioms with “thing”
- There's no such thing as a free lunch: You can't get something for nothing; there is always a hidden cost somewhere.
- The best thing since sliced bread: An excellent new idea, product or person, often said with some humour.
“thing” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
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- ball nounA1a round object that you throw, kick or hit in games
- bed nounA1a piece of furniture for sleeping on
- box nounA1a container with flat sides and often a lid
- card nounA1a piece of stiff paper with a picture and message, sent for birthdays or holidays
- chair nounA1a seat for one person, with a back and usually four legs
- computer nounA1an electronic machine that stores information and runs programs
- cup nounA1a small container with a handle, used for drinking hot drinks