thing  (th?ng)n.1. a. An object or entity that is not or cannot be named specifically: What is this thing for?b. An individual object, especially an inanimate object: There wasn’t a thing in sight.c. A creature: That baby is the sweetest thing!d. An entity or item: How many things are there on the test?e. Something referred to by a word, symbol, sign, or idea; a referent.2. A possession or item in one’s control, as:a. things Articles of clothing: Put on your things and let’s go.b. things Possessions, including clothing; belongings: Pack your things; it’s time to go.c. often things Law That which can be possessed or owned: things personal; things real.d. things The equipment needed for an activity or a special purpose.3. a. An act, deed, or work: promised to do great things.b. The result of work or activity: is always building things.c. A means to an end: just the thing to increase sales.4. a. A thought, notion, or utterance: What a rotten thing to say!b. A piece of information: wouldn’t tell me a thing about the project.5. An end or objective: In blackjack, the thing is to get nearest to 21 without going over.6. a. A matter of concern: many things on my mind.b. A turn of events; a circumstance: The accident was a terrible thing.c. A particular state of affairs; a situation: Let’s deal with this thing promptly.d. things The general state of affairs; conditions: “Beneath the smooth surface of things, something was wrong” (Tom Wicker).e. Informal The latest fad or fashion: Drag racing was the thing then.7. Informal A persistent feeling, interest, desire, or aversion: She has a thing for him and keeps talking about him. I have a thing about seafood and never eat it.8. Slang An activity uniquely suitable and satisfying to one: Let him do his own thing. Mountain climbing is really my thing.9. Informal Used to refer to something with disapproval or contempt: Where did you get that thing? I wouldn’t drive that thing if you paid me.Idioms: first thing Informal Right away; before anything else: Do your assignments first thing in the morning. see/hear things To have hallucinations.[Middle English, from Old English.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.thing (???) n1. an object, fact, affair, circumstance, or concept considered as being a separate entity2. any inanimate object3. an object or entity that cannot or need not be precisely named4. informal a person or animal regarded as the object of pity, contempt, etc: you poor thing. 5. an event or act6. a thought or statement7. (Law) law any object or right that may be the subject of property (as distinguished from a person)8. a device, means, or instrument9. (often plural) a possession, article of clothing, etc10. informal the normal pattern of behaviour in a particular context: not interested in the marriage thing. 11. informal a mental attitude, preoccupation or obsession (esp in the phrase have a thing about)12. an activity or mode of behaviour satisfying to one’s personality (esp in the phrase do one’s (own) thing)13. the done thing acceptable or normal behaviour14. the thing the latest fashion15. be on to a good thing to be in a profitable situation or position16. make a thing of to make a fuss about; exaggerate the importance of[Old English thing assembly; related to Old Norse thing assembly, Old High German ding assembly]thing (???; t??) n (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (often capital) a law court or public assembly in the Scandinavian countries. Also: ting [C19: from Old Norse thing assembly (the same word as thing1)]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014thing (???) n. 1. an inanimate object: a person, animal, or thing. 2. some object that is not or cannot be specifically designated: Hand me that thing. 3. anything that is or may become an object of thought: things of the spirit. 4. things, matters; affairs: How are things? 5. a fact, circumstance, or state of affairs: It is a curious thing. 6. an action, event, or performance: Biking is a fun thing. 7. a particular; detail: You left out some things. 8. aim; objective: The thing is to enjoy it. 9. an article of clothing: not a thing to wear. 10. things, a. implements; utensils: the breakfast things. b. personal possessions: Pack your things! 11. a task; chore: things to do. 12. a living being; creature. 13. a thought; observation: a thing or two to say. 14. a peculiar attitude toward something: She has a thing about cats. 15. something represented, as distinguished from a word, symbol, or idea representing it. 16. Informal. issue; subject; topic (usu. preceded by a noun): the leadership thing. 17. the thing, a. something that is correct or fashionable: It’s the new thing. b. that which is expedient: Do the right thing. Idioms: 1. do one’s thing, Informal. to pursue a lifestyle that expresses one’s self. 2. see or hear things, to hallucinate. [before 900; Middle English; Old English: assembly, affair, entity, being; see thing2] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.