thing

noun (IDEA/EVENT)

/θɪŋ/

Definition

A2 [C] used to refer in an approximate way to an idea, subject, event, action, etc.: That was an unkind thing to say. I've got so many things to do I don't know where to start. Your information is correct but you left out one thing. "What's the matter?" "It's this insurance thing. I'm really worried about it."Objects - general words the thing [C] › the exact fact, object, idea, event, etc.: Your letter has told me precisely the thing I needed to know.Information and messages the real thing › something that is not false or a copy: The fire alarm goes off accidentally so often that when it's the real thing (= when it really does happen) nobody will take any notice.Reality and truth the same thing B1 the same: Training isn't the same thing as education.Similar and the sameDescribing people with the same qualities the whole thing B2 everything that has been planned or discussed: Let's call the whole thing off. I want to forget the whole thing.Something, anything, nothing, and everything above all things › more than everything else: I value my freedom above all things.Large in number or quantity in all things › in every situation or subject; in everything: Be true to yourself in all things.Expressions used to describe situations if there's one thing I want to know, find out, etc. › said before describing what it is that you especially want to know: If there's one thing I want to know, it's where he goes on Thursday afternoons.

(Definition of thing noun (IDEA/EVENT) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)