THING
noun
Definitions
- 1. Whatever exists, or is conceived to exist, as a separate entity, whether animate or inanimate; any separable or distinguishable object of thought. God made . . . every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind. Gen. i. 25. He sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt. Gen. xiv. 23. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Keats.
- 2. An inanimate object, in distinction from a living being; any lifeless material. Ye meads and groves, unsonscious things! Cowper.
- 3. A transaction or occurrence; an event; a deed. [And Jacob said] All these things are against me. Gen. xlii. 36. Which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. Matt. xxi. 24.
- 4. A portion or part; something. Wieked men who understand any thing of wisdom. Tillotson.
- 5. A diminutive or slighted object; any object viewed as merely existing; -- often used in pity or contempt. See, sons, what things you are! Shak. The poor thing sighed, and . . . turned from me. Addison. I'll be this abject thing no more. Granville. I have a thing in prose. Swift.
- 6. Clothes; furniture; appurtenances; luggage; as, to pack or store one's things. [Colloq.]
- 7. Whatever may be possessed or owned; a property; -- distinguished from person.
- 8. [In this sense pronounced tîng.]
- 9. In Scandinavian countries, a legislative or judicial assembly. Longfellow. Things personal. (Law) Same as Personal property, under Personal. -- Things real. Same as Real property, under Real.
Added: October 09, 2025
Updated: October 09, 2025