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REFERENCE

item

n.
US //ˈaɪtəm// UK //ˈaɪtəm// item
  1. 1 a physical object (n.)
    A2 Elementary General-service

    a single thing or object, especially one that is part of a group or collection.

    a distinct physical object or unit within a larger set or collection.

    Example

    The cashier scanned every item in the shopping basket one by one.

    Example

    The museum curator carefully catalogued each item recovered from the site, ensuring that even the smallest fragments were documented.
  2. 2 a list entry (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    one single part of a list, like a task or a point in a meeting.

    a separate piece of information or a specific entry in a list, account, or agenda.

    Example

    The last item on the meeting agenda is the budget for next year.

    Example

    The auditor flagged several items in the financial report that required further clarification from the management team.
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  1. 3 a romantic couple (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    two people who are in a romantic relationship.

    two individuals involved in an established romantic or sexual relationship.

    Example

    Everyone was surprised to hear that Sarah and Tom are finally an item.

    Example

    The tabloids spent weeks speculating whether the two co-stars were actually an item before the couple finally went public.
  2. 4 a test question (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical

    a single question or task on an exam or in a survey.

    a specific question or task within a standardised test or psychological assessment.

    Example

    The teacher removed a confusing item from the final exam.

    Example

    The researchers conducted a statistical analysis to determine which test items were most effective at measuring the students' analytical skills.
  3. 5 a news report (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a short piece of news in a newspaper or on a website.

    a brief piece of news or a short article in a periodical.

    Example

    There was a small item in the local paper about the school play.

    Example

    The morning broadcast included a brief news item regarding the recent changes to international trade regulations.
Origin

From Middle English item, from Latin item (“also; in the same manner”). The present English meaning derives from a usage in lists, where the first entry would begin in primis (“firstly”) or imprimis, and the other entries with item (“also, moreover”). Later, the members of lists were referred to as "items".

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