Thing/θɪŋ/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/3Placeholders in Speech Use 'thing' when you're unsure or can't remember the exact word. Hand me that thing next to the phone. Pro Tip 2/3Vague References Use 'thing' to refer to something without being specific. You know, the thing we were talking about earlier. Pro Tip 3/3General Usage Applies to many contexts, both concrete and abstract items. Respect is the most important thing in a friendship.