What is the definition of the English word "something"?

The English word "something" is defined as: "An uncertain or unspecified thing; one thing."

Definition and meaning of English word "something"

something

/sʌmˈθɪŋ/

Articles & Pronouns B1

Meaning

Pronoun

An uncertain or unspecified thing; one thing.

Reviewed by the TheLernen language teamDefinition sourced from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0)Last updated: June 16, 2026

How to use

The pronoun 'something' is often used to refer to an unspecified or unknown thing. A common learner mistake is confusing 'something' with 'anything', which implies a greater degree of uncertainty or possibility. In English, 'something' often implies a more positive or hopeful tone.

🇬🇧 English

something

Example

I need something to drink.

I found something interesting.

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Synonyms

an unspecified or unknown thinga thing or objecta small amount or degree

Common phrases

something like— used to indicate a similarity or approximation
something of— used to indicate a degree or extent
for something— used to indicate a purpose or reason

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the English word "something" mean?▼

The English word "something" means "something" in English.

How do you pronounce the English word "something"?▼

You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "something" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.

Can I see an example sentence with "something"?▼

Yes, here is a practical example: "I need something to drink." (which translates as "something").

something

Synonyms

Common phrases

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Frequently Asked Questions

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