Item
ˈaɪtəm
Definitions
2 meaningsA distinct, separate piece or thing, especially in a list or collection.
ˈaɪtəm
A single thing or unit, especially one listed or dealt with separately.
The first item on the agenda was a budget review.
💡 Simply: An item is just *one* thing. Like one toy in your toy box, one slice of pizza on your plate, or one thing you buy at the store!
👶 For kids: One thing, like a toy or a piece of candy!
More Examples
Please check each item carefully before you leave the store.
This item is on sale.
How It's Used
"Each item on the receipt totaled to a certain amount."
"I added several items to my shopping cart."
"The agenda had five items for discussion."
To list or enumerate something specifically, often within a defined list or set.
ˈaɪtəm
To list or record items.
The clerk itemized the purchases.
💡 Simply: Itemizing is like making a list of all the things, one by one, like listing all your toys by name or writing down the groceries you need at the store.
👶 For kids: To make a list of things.
More Examples
The accountant itemized the deductions on the tax form.
The report will itemize the costs involved.
How It's Used
"We itemized the expenses for the project."
"The report itemized the findings from the research."
Idioms & expressions
item by item
One at a time, individually, or separately.
"The auditor reviewed the receipts item by item."
line item
A single entry in a list or financial statement, such as a budget or invoice.
"The budget included a line item for marketing expenses."
From Latin *item* meaning 'likewise', 'also'. Initially used in lists and enumerations.
The word 'item' has been used since the 14th century, originally as a Latin term used in legal and administrative documents to introduce individual elements.
Memory tip
Think of an 'item' as one piece of a puzzle or one piece of information in a list.
Word Origin
"likewise, also"