something

1 of 2

pronoun

some·​thing ˈsəm(p)-thiŋ How to pronounce something (audio)
 especially in rapid speech or for sense 2  ˈsəm-pᵊm
1
a
: some indeterminate or unspecified thing
b
: some indeterminate amount more than a specified number
used in combination
twenty-something years old
a group of fifty-somethings
2
: a person or thing of consequence
3
: one having more or less the character, qualities, or nature of something different
is something of a bore

something

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in some degree : somewhat
2
used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective
swears something awful
Phrases
something else
: something or someone special or extraordinary

Examples of something in a Sentence

Pronoun Something came in the mail for you. I thought I heard something outside. He said something that really bothered me. I started to say something but she interrupted me. I have something to tell you. There's something wrong with my car. Something is going on at the school, but I don't know what. “The job doesn't pay very well and the hours are long.” “I think you should look for something better.” “They won't give us an extra week to finish, but they'll give us a couple of days.” “Well, that's something anyway.” She thinks she's really something ever since her promotion. Adverb The total repairs cost something over $300. The movie was something like what I expected.

Word History

First Known Use

Pronoun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of something was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Something.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/something. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

something

1 of 2 pronoun
some·​thing ˈsəm(p)-thiŋ How to pronounce something (audio)
 especially in rapid speech or for sense 2  ˈsəmp-ᵊm
1
: some unnamed or unspecified thing
something must be done about it
2
: an important person or thing
decided to make something of myself

something

2 of 2 adverb
1
: somewhat entry 2
was something less than perfect
2
: very entry 2 sense 1
snores something awful

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