What does everything mean?
"Everything" is an indefinite pronoun meaning all things without exception: every object, fact, or circumstance within a given scope. Despite referring to many things at once, it is grammatically singular and takes singular verbs, as in "everything is fine." Beyond its literal sense, it frequently expresses totality of importance or feeling: money may not be "everything," and a loved one may "mean everything" to someone. The word combines "every," from Old English, with "thing," making its structure transparent yet remarkably old in usage. It appears in countless idiomatic expressions, such as "everything but the kitchen sink," and contrasts directly with "nothing." Because it spans literal, situational, and emotional meanings, "everything" is among the most versatile and frequently used words in English, serving equally well in formal writing, casual conversation, and emphatic declaration.
All things; each and every thing without exception.
"Everything in the room was covered in dust."
Takes a singular verb despite plural reference.
The most important person, thing, or matter to someone.
"Her children mean everything to her."
"Everything" is grammatically singular — you say "everything is," never "everything are" — even though it refers to all things at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of everything
"Everything" is formed from "every" plus "thing," both rooted in Old English. "Every" derives from Old English "ǣfre" (ever) combined with "ǣlc" (each), while "thing" comes from Old English "þing," originally meaning an assembly or meeting before narrowing to denote any object or matter. The compound has been in continuous use throughout the history of English and belongs to the same family of indefinite pronouns as "anything" and "something." Its closest cognates are simply these parallel compounds built on "thing," reflecting a native Germanic pattern rather than borrowing from Latin or French.
How everything is actually used
"Everything" is an indefinite pronoun that always takes a singular verb: "everything is ready," not "everything are ready." It functions only as a pronoun — unlike "all," it cannot act as an adjective before a noun. In informal speech it often carries emotional weight, expressing totality of feeling or importance rather than literal completeness. It is standard in both British and American English across all registers.
Easily confused with everything
"Everything's" is a contraction of "everything is" or the possessive form, while "everythings" is not a standard word because "everything" is uncountable and has no plural.