an object that one need not, cannot, or does not wish to give a specific name to

look at that metal rail thing over there

there are lots of things I'd like to buy

an inanimate material object as distinct from a living sentient being

I'm not a thing, not a work of art to be cherished

an action, event, thought, or utterance

she said the first thing that came into her head

the only thing I could do well was cook

what is needed or required

you need a tonic—and here's just the thing

one's special interest or inclination

reading isn't my thing

used to introduce or emphasize an important point

the thing is, I am going to sell this house

here's the thing: this is a story, not a piece of hard news

that's the thing about style—no two people are completely alike