thing

object
[C] an object whose name you do not use because you do not need to or want to, or because you do not know it: Can you pass me that thing over there? ◆ She's very fond of sweet things (= sweet foods). ◆ He's just bought one of those exercise things. ◆ Turn that thing off while I'm talking to you!
[C] an object that is not alive in the way that people and plants are: Don't treat her like that-she's a person, not a thing! ◆ He's good at making things with his hands. ◆ She took no interest in the people and things around her.
possessions / equipment
(things) [pl.] objects, clothing or tools that belong to sb or are used for a particular purpose: Shall I help you pack your things? ◆ Bring your swimming things with you. ◆ I'll just clear away the breakfast things. ◆ Put your things (= coat, etc.) on and let's go.
anything
(a thing) [sing.] used with negatives to mean 'anything' in order to emphasize what you are saying: I haven't got a thing to wear! ◆ She hasn't had a thing to eat all day. ◆ There wasn't a thing we could do to help. ◆ Ignore what he said-it doesn't mean a thing.
fact / event / situation / action
[C] a fact, an event, a situation or an action; what sb says or thinks: There are a lot of things she doesn't know about me. ◆ There's another thing I'd like to ask you. ◆ A terrible thing happened last night. ◆ He found the whole thing very boring. ◆ I've got loads of things to do today. ◆ The main thing to remember is to switch off the burglar alarm. ◆ I like camping, climbing and that sort of thing. ◆ She said the first thing that came into her head. ◆ 'Why did you tell her our secret?' 'I did no such thing!' ◆ Let's forget the whole thing (= everything).
(things) [pl.] the general situation, as it affects sb: Things haven't gone entirely to plan. ◆ (spoken) Hi, Jane! How are things? ◆ Think things over before you decide. ◆ As things stand at present, he seems certain to win. ◆ All things considered (= considering all the difficulties or problems), she's done very well. ◆ Why do you make things so difficult for yourself?
what is needed / right
[C, usually sing.] what is needed or socially acceptable: You need something to cheer you up-I know just the thing! ◆ to do / say the right / wrong thing ◆ The best thing to do is to apologize.
things of particular type
(things) [pl.] (formal) (followed by an adjective) all that can be described in a particular way: She loves all things Japanese.
creature
[C] (used with an adjective) a living creature: All living things are composed of cells.
person / animal
[C] (with an adjective) (spoken) used to talk to or about a person or an animal, to show how you feel about them: You silly thing! ◆ You must be starving, you poor things. ◆ The cat's very ill, poor old thing.