Dictionary

thing en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• [t̪ʰɪŋ] Dublin
• /θiŋ/ [θiŋ ~ θɪ̝ŋ] Upper Midwestern US, Western US, Canada, pre-/ŋ/-tensing
• /θɪŋɡ/ (Midlands, Northern-England) without the NG-coalescence
• /θɪŋ/ (General-American, Received-Pronunciation)
• (US) audio
• (Southern-England) audio
• /fɪŋ/ UK, th-fronting
• /fɪŋɡ/ th-fronting

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *tenk-? Proto-Indo-European *tenkóm Proto-Germanic *þingą Proto-West Germanic *þing Old English þing Middle English thing English thing From Middle English thing, from Old English þing, from Proto-West Germanic *þing, from Proto-Germanic *þingą. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Ding (“thing”), West Frisian ting, ding (“thing”), Dutch ding (“thing”), German Low German Ding (“thing”), German Ding (“thing”), Danish, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, and Swedish ting (“thing”), Faroese ting (“parliament, assembly”), Icelandic þing (“congress, assembly”), Scots hing (“thing”). The word originally meant "assembly", then came to mean a specific issue discussed at such an assembly, and ultimately came to mean most broadly "an object". Compare Latin rēs, also meaning "legal matter", and same transition from Latin causa (“legal matter”) to "thing" in Romance languages. Modern use to refer to a Germanic assembly is likely influenced by cognates (from the same Proto-Germanic root) like Old Norse þing (“thing”), Danish ting, Swedish ting, and Old High German ding with this meaning.

Meanings

1. That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept.
   • The dirty secret of the internet is that all this distraction and interruption is immensely profitable. Web companies like to boast about […], or offering services that let you […], "share the things you love with the world" and so on. But the real way to build a successful online business is to be better than your rivals at undermining people's control of their own attention. 2013 June 21, Oliver Burkeman, “The tao of tech”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 2, page 48:
   • Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us... 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Luke 1:1:
2. A word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity.
3. An individual object or distinct entity.
4. Whatever can be owned.
5. Corporeal object.
6. (in-plural) Possessions or equipment; stuff; gear.
   • Hold on, let me just grab my things.
7. (dated, with the) The latest fad or fashion.
   • To go to bed late, to rise late, to breakfast late, to dine late, and to visit late, is to be “quite the thing,” or in good English, which you may understand better than the first phrase, to be in the fashion. 1802, Anne Ormsby, "Memoirs of a Family in Swisserland", quoted in The Monthly Review, Or, Literary Journal page 45
   • After a slow start it became the thing to do; 'everyone went to see Pbi-Pbi, no one talked of anything but Pbi-Pbi[…]' 2002, Roger Nichols, The Harlequin Years: Music in Paris 1917-1929, Univ of California Press, →ISBN:
8. (informal) A custom or practice.
   • Cheek kissing is a French thing; you get used to it after a while.
9. (informal, with a) A genuine concept, entity or phenomenon; something that actually exists (often contrary to expectation or belief).
   • Clémence would say that his style was normcore before normcore became a thing. She had to admit that she still found him attractive. 2014, Harper Lin, Croissant Murder:
   • Frequent statements of the kind “'Race' is not a thing”, “'races,' put simply, do not exist”, “'race' (as each essay subtly shows) simply does not exist” aim to discredit Todorov's claim that a relapse to an ontology of race is at place […] 2014, Marianna Papastephanou, Torill Strand, Anne Pirrie, Philosophy as a Lived Experience:
   • Now I don't know how many of those male flight attendants are male lesbians -- you know... (Laughter) Well, it's a thing. I mean, there's a -- it's a -- there's a feminist professor down in Tampa who's discovered a male lesbian 1993 November 24, The Rush Limbaugh Show (radio), Rush Limbaugh (actor):
   • Conservative philosophy, in other words, is, as we say now, a thing and deserves a serious listen. 2019, Adam Gopnik, A Thousand Small Sanities, Riverrun, published 2019, page 88:
   • Q: Bacon pie? Is that a thing? A: Yes, I checked into it, and it's a thing. Some people are even connoisseurs about it.
10. (informal) A unit or container, usually containing consumable goods.
    • Could you get me a thing of apple juice at the store?
    • I just ate a whole thing of jelly beans.
    • I remember my friend Ben saying in the old days that he would never go to Costco and buy one of those big things of toilet paper[…] 2011, 1:19:48 from the start, in We Were Here:
    • And he invited us all in there and then he kicked the girls out a little bit later and brought me in a couple things of alcohol. And just before he brought in my second bottle of alcohol[…] 1998 March 24, Geraldo (television):
    • I came home and ate a whole thing of ice cream. 2011, Juliette Fay, Deep Down True: A Novel, Penguin, →ISBN:
11. (informal) A problem, dilemma, or complicating factor.
    • That's the thing: we don't know where he is.
    • We can't exactly die; that's like, the whole thing here? 2025 June 20, Gooseworx, “Untitled” (18:28 from the start), in The Amazing Digital Circus, episode 5, spoken by Ragatha (Amanda Hufford):
    • The car looks cheap, but the thing is, I have doubts about its safety.
12. (euphemistic, slang) A penis.
    • “Oh Gertie it’s true. It’s all true. They’ve got a horrid gash instead of a thrilling thing.” 1962 [1959], William S. Burroughs, Naked Lunch, New York: Grove Press, page 150:
13. (euphemistic, slang) A vulva or vagina.
    • ‘They reckon she lets her dogs lick her thing.’ 1982, Paul Radley, My Blue-Checker Corker and Me, Sydney: Fontana/Collins, page 65:
14. A living being or creature.
    • she's a funny old thing, but her heart's in the right place
    • you poor thing
    • I met a pretty blond thing at the bar
    • sweet young thing
15. Used after a noun to refer dismissively to the situation surrounding the noun's referent.
    • Oh yeah, I'm supposed to promote that vision thing.
    • Don’t forget to have Gomez postpone that shooting thing. (in reference to the execution of Fernandez) 1914, Eugene Gladstone O'Neill, The Movie Man [playscript]
16. (in the negative, informal, used possessively) That which is favoured; personal preference.
    • The Internet isn't my thing. I so much rather talk on the phone. 2006, Corbin Bleu, interview with Tigerbeat magazine
    • it's not really my thing
    • Tool talk [is] not my thing. 2002, Joss Whedon et al, "Never Leave Me", Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV episode)
17. (informal, used possessively, with "do") One's typical routine, habits, or manner.
    • let me do my thing; I'm here doing my thing
    • But I'm just a guy from Missoula, Montana, doing my thing, going down the road like everybody else. 2006, David Lynch, Catching the Big Fish, Tarcher 2006, "Darkness", p. 91
18. (historical) A public assembly or judicial council in a Germanic country.
    • In accordance with Old Germanic custom men came to the thing fully armed, [...] 1974, Jón Jóhannesson, translated by Haraldur Bessason, A History of the Old Icelandic Commonwealth: Íslendinga Saga, page 46:
    • All Icelandic things were skap-thing, meaning that they were governed by established procedure and met at regular legally designated intevals at predetermined meeting places. 1988, Jesse L. Byock, Medieval Iceland: Society, Sagas, and Power, page 59:
    • The goðar seem both to have received payment of thing-fararkaup from those who stayed home and at the same time compensated those who went to the thing, and it cannot be seen whether they had any profit from these transactions. 1974, Jakob Benediktsson, Landnám og upphaf allsherjarríkis, in Saga Íslands, quoted in 1988 by Jesse L. Byock in Medieval Iceland: Society, Sagas, and Power, page 85
19. (informal) A romantic relationship.
    • I can screw you in front of everyone. I don't care, we have a thing going on, you know. I love you,” she said. 2020, David Gomadza, EVELINA: The Alpha:
20. (informal) A romantic couple.
    • Are John and Jennifer a thing again? I thought they broke up.
21. (Multicultural-London-English, alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of ting.
    alt of ting
22. (Multicultural-London-English) Girl; attractive woman.
    • Look at the nyash on that thing!

Forms

Deriveds

thingal · the way things are going · the thing · there is no such thing as bad press · in the swim of things · one thing or another · next big thing · thingism · thinglike · thing in action · thick of things · close thing · husting · any old thing · thinger · worse things happen at sea · have a thing going on · the thing is · one thing leads to another · be another thing · swing of things · big things come in small packages · orange bitey thing · thinghood · leave things be · over-things · here's the thing · living thing · thingy · best thing since sliced pan · sure thing · first things first · thinglet · unthing · let things alone · thingamajig · just one of those things · be one thing · thingness · nothing · a thing or two · throw things at the wall and see what sticks · thing is · greatest thing since sliced bread · there is no such thing as bad publicity · cute girls doing cute things · good thing · do the honorable thing · first thing · vision thing · for one thing · near thing · time heals all things · grand scheme of things · this, that, and the other thing · thinginess · thingish · no small thing · something · bad things come in threes · the best things in life aren't things · all things considered · how are things · show someone a thing or two · thing of the past · a mind is a terrible thing to waste · real thing · good things come in small packages · how's every little thing · among other things · soft thing · be a thing · all good things must come to an end · thingo · sweet young thing · do the honourable thing · they're only after one thing · thingly · main thing · chance'd be a fine thing · this is why we can't have nice things · manthing · and another thing · last thing · no such thing · have another thing coming · a little knowledge is a dangerous thing · chance would be a fine thing · of all things · last big thing · do the handsome thing · thingify · do the proper thing · do one's own thing · by the looks of things · that's the thing · all things to all people · man is the measure of all things · leave things alone · stranger things have happened · same thing · old thing · do the right thing · last thing one needs · render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's · thingification · spell things out · there's no such thing as a stupid question · plaything · one of those things · another thing · thing of nothing · good things come to those who wait · best thing since sliced bread · these things happen · things · all things being equal · nonthing · next thing one knows · the shape of things to come · the thing of it · the very thing · said the thing · do the decent thing · the best things in life are free · wild thing · if it's the last thing I do · a little learning is a dangerous thing · let things be · bright young thing · thing theory · internet of things · all good things come to an end · for another thing · all things to all men · hear things · do one's thing · how's things · allthing · the next best thing · one thing led to another · all things come to those who wait · anything · thingless · underthing · thing-in-itself · in the nature of things · finer things · things that go bump in the night · good things come in threes · have a thing · if it's not one thing it's another · thing in possession · there ain't no such thing as a free lunch · make a big thing out of · tea-things · werething · one thing after another · thingee · there's no such thing as a free lunch · current thing · minor thing · everything · done thing · too much of a good thing · scheme of things

Relateds

thingo [Aus] · thingy · theedom · thingie · thee

Synonyms

predilection (personal preference) · penis (penis) · stuff (referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · item (referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · yoke (referent that can be used to refer to any entity)

Translations (377)

bo ཡོ་ཆས (clothes, possessions or equipment) · bg не́що (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · lv lieta (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi seikka (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hak 東西 /东西 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · yue 事物 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ms barang (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pcd cose (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh 物 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ff huunde (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bn জিনিস (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ia cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ru вещь (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bg дре́хи (clothes, possessions or equipment) · ga rud (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · hu ez-az (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · ml സാധനം (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · af ding (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar شَيْء (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · cjy 東西 /东西 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ga rud (individual object or distinct entity) · kaa neme (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · uk предме́т (individual object or distinct entity) · fr chose (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar شي (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · za doenghyiengh (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · nl ding (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tyz ăn (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bn বস্তু (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · da ting (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sv sak (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar شي (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu szerszám (penis) · sv grej (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hy բան (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh дунщи (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id makhluk (living being or creature) · ky нерсе (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh 物件 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ast cosa (individual object or distinct entity) · hsn 東西 /东西 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · gan 東西 /东西 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu teremtés (living being or creature) · ps شى (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mk нешто (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ca ésser (living being or creature) · ga rud (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · to me'a (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · eo aĵo (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id sesuatu (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · ta பொருள் (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · egl côsa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · km របស់ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ny chinthu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · nyu cinthu class 7 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi eliö (living being or creature) · tt зат (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · de Sache (the central point; the crux) · ar حاجة (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ps څيز (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu holmi (clothes, possessions or equipment) · tr toplantı (historical: public assembly or judicial council) · ceb butang (individual object or distinct entity) · uz narsa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ce хӏума (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · wo këf (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · egl côṡa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · cs věc (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh вәҗян (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fur cjosse (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bo ཅ་ལག (clothes, possessions or equipment) · et asi (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · jje 것 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · be не́шта (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · id hal (the central point; the crux) · tg чиз (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · gl cousa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hy իր (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · lt daiktas (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · as বস্তু (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id benda (individual object or distinct entity) · uk де́що (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · fur čhosse (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tr olay (the central point; the crux) · wuu 物事 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · aii ܡܸܢܕܝܼ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu cucc (clothes, possessions or equipment) · ar ستون (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ca cosa (law: corporeal object) · fi ominta omaa (personal preference — see also preference) · fi vehje (penis) · ar شغلة (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bo དངོས་པོ (individual object or distinct entity) · wuu 物件 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi asia (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi esine (individual object or distinct entity) · fa چیز (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar حاجة (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tr mahluk (living being or creature) · gug mba'e (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mnp 物事 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mr वस्तू (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mg zavatra (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bg вещ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ml കാര്യം (problem, dilemma, or complicating factor) · fi eläin (living being or creature) · ca cosa (the central point; the crux) · ht bagay (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ett 𐌀𐌂𐌄𐌋 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · kn ವಸ್ತು (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi olento (living being or creature) · gld дяка (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu dolog (situation surrounding a noun's referent) · sv ting (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ang þing (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mk ствар (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · cu вещь (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tr kurultay (historical: public assembly or judicial council) · ja 物 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ceb butang (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · dsb wěc (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · my အရာ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · kk нәрсе (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · nl punt (the central point; the crux) · be прадме́т (individual object or distinct entity) · kdn chinthu class 7 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ka ნივთი (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · it cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ms benda (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · de Ding (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fy ding (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza dıbare (problem, dilemma, or complicating factor) · fi esine (law: whatever can be owned) · bg не́що (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · egl quèl (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · wa sacwè (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pdt Dinkj (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · te వస్తువు (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · km វត្ថុ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · os ми (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza hımın (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · udm арбери (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ru предме́т (individual object or distinct entity) · orv рѣчь (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ru не́что (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · bn চিজ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ca cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mt affari (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · nn ting (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bo དངོས་པོ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu micsoda (penis) · az əşya (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sh stvȃr (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar إشي (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · be што́сьці (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · id hal (situation surrounding a noun's referent) · ko 물건 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu probléma (problem, dilemma, or complicating factor) · hu izé (situation surrounding a noun's referent) · ln eloko (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ro lucru (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pa ਵਸਤੂ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sv ting (historical: public assembly or judicial council) · xag 𐕆𐔼𐕅 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ja 生き物 (living being or creature) · hi चीज़ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · be штось (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · my ဟာ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar شي (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bni eloko (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · rw ikintu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pl rzecz (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tr işin aslı (the central point; the crux) · ar حاجة (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pdt Sach (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sq qenie (living being or creature) · yo ohun (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fa شِیْء (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · an cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · el πράγμα (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hak 物件 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · rsk ствар (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · nb greie (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ro obiect (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · is hlutur (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tg шайъ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · es volanchete (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ml സുന (penis) · io kozo (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · cu вѣщь (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pt coisa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sv grej (latest fad or fashion) · hu létező dolog (individual object or distinct entity) · ky неме (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sw kitu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mfe soz (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pl bajka (situation surrounding a noun's referent) · kk зат (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi pakkaus (unit or container, usually containing edible goods) · et ese (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · am ነገር (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ga ní (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh 关键 (the central point; the crux) · fi olennainen (the central point; the crux) · sq gjë (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza wahêr (diq) (law: whatever can be owned) · nb dings (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · aii ܗܸܫܬܵܐ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tl bagay (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tr şey (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mwl cousa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · osp cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · cdo 乇 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · lld cossa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · alt неме (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tum chinthu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · az şey (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu gond (problem, dilemma, or complicating factor) · de Gegenstand (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · de Sache (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sa वस्तु (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · xqa نانْكْ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id masalah (problem, dilemma, or complicating factor) · pi vatthu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu dolog (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · vi thứ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza mahluk (living being or creature) · lt dalykas (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · yi זאַך (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · rcf soz (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ca membre (penis) · pl coś (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · gd rud (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · om wanta (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ug نەرسە (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · bg вещ (law: corporeal object) · sl reč (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · he דָּבָר (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ka თინგი (historical: public assembly or judicial council) · syl ꠎꠤꠘꠤꠡ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · crh şey (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id benda (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · uk річ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · la res (individual object or distinct entity) · uk щось (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · ext cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · wa cayet (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza mal (law: whatever can be owned) · hi वस्तु (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mfe zafer (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sk vec (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fa شَیْء (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sco hing (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · kg mambu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ru не́что (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · nb ting (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · si දෙය (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · yue 物件 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ml പൊരുൾ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mr गोष्ट (problem, dilemma, or complicating factor) · jam ting (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh 東西 /东西 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ja 物件 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ca efectes (clothes, possessions or equipment) · fi juttu (latest fad or fashion) · eo objekto (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sw vitu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh 事物 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · es volancheje (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi juttu (personal preference — see also preference) · kum неме (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tk zat (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh 物件 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ur چِیز (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · th ทรัพย์ (law: corporeal object) · lo ສິ່ງ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi käräjät (historical: public assembly or judicial council) · zza çi (diq) (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · gu વસ્તુ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ro chestie (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ast cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tr şey (penis) · sq send (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi tapa (custom or practice) · fi kamat (clothes, possessions or equipment) · la ens (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sl stvar (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · vi vật (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · yai чиз (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mn юм (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ja 物 (law: corporeal object) · bo ཅ་ལག (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fa چِیز (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · es volancheque (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fr machin (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · de Ding (penis) · ne वस्तु (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza qal (diq) (latest fad or fashion) · ar شي (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu izé (penis) · lad koza (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi esine (law: corporeal object) · tet buat (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · txb wreme (individual object or distinct entity) · fi kalu (penis) · el πλάσμα (living being or creature) · ml കാര്യം (the central point; the crux) · zza wêr (law: whatever can be owned) · ru предме́т (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tt нәрсә (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · wbk ṭük (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · vi điều (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · be рэч (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar شغلة (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · cy peth (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id barang (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id hal (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ast cosa (the central point; the crux) · hsb wěc (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · oc causa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mt ħaġa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ml സാധനം (penis) · hu lény (living being or creature) · yue 嘢 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ml വസ്തു (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · egy x*t:Y1 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza cınawır (diq) (living being or creature) · ba нимә (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · shi taɣawsa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zh 代誌 /代志 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · pl coś (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · tr mal (law: whatever can be owned) · za doxgaiq (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi tarkoite (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · chn ikta (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tpn mba'e (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · kab taɣawsa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi juttu (situation surrounding a noun's referent) · de Sache (law: corporeal object) · scn cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · tr nesne (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · orv вещь (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · it coso (penis) · th สิ่ง (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu egy s más (word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity) · wa sôre (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · srn sani (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi esine (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi otus (living being or creature) · es cosa (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi olio (living being or creature) · eu gauza (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar حاجة (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · qu ima (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · wmw kinu (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · sh ства̑р (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · yo n̄ǹkan (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu lényeg (the central point; the crux) · zza pırtı (latest fad or fashion) · mr गोष्ट (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · cv япала (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ett 𐌀𐌂𐌉𐌋 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · gun mba'e (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · hu dolog (law: corporeal object) · fr truc (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mnc ᠵᠠᡴᠠ (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · mn зүйл (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · id makhluk (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · fi pulma (problem, dilemma, or complicating factor) · gl cousa (penis) · bg предме́т (individual object or distinct entity) · la rēs (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · eo afero (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ar شي (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · ko 것 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · got 𐍅𐌰𐌹𐌷𐍄𐍃 (that which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept) · zza hımın (penis)

thing en · VERB

Pronunciation

• [t̪ʰɪŋ] Dublin
• /θiŋ/ [θiŋ ~ θɪ̝ŋ] Upper Midwestern US, Western US, Canada, pre-/ŋ/-tensing
• /θɪŋɡ/ (Midlands, Northern-England) without the NG-coalescence
• /θɪŋ/ (General-American, Received-Pronunciation)
• (US) audio
• (Southern-England) audio
• /fɪŋ/ UK, th-fronting
• /fɪŋɡ/ th-fronting

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *tenk-? Proto-Indo-European *tenkóm Proto-Germanic *þingą Proto-West Germanic *þing Old English þing Middle English thing English thing From Middle English thing, from Old English þing, from Proto-West Germanic *þing, from Proto-Germanic *þingą. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Ding (“thing”), West Frisian ting, ding (“thing”), Dutch ding (“thing”), German Low German Ding (“thing”), German Ding (“thing”), Danish, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, and Swedish ting (“thing”), Faroese ting (“parliament, assembly”), Icelandic þing (“congress, assembly”), Scots hing (“thing”). The word originally meant "assembly", then came to mean a specific issue discussed at such an assembly, and ultimately came to mean most broadly "an object". Compare Latin rēs, also meaning "legal matter", and same transition from Latin causa (“legal matter”) to "thing" in Romance languages. Modern use to refer to a Germanic assembly is likely influenced by cognates (from the same Proto-Germanic root) like Old Norse þing (“thing”), Danish ting, Swedish ting, and Old High German ding with this meaning.

Meanings

1. (rare) To express as a thing; to reify.

Forms