an important question that is in dispute and must be settled
"the issue could be settled by requiring public education for everyone"
"politicians never discuss the real issues"
supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government
"The soldiers stood in formation to receive their monthly ration of canned peaches and wool coats from the supply officer."
the act of issuing printed materials
"The marketing team decided to issue new brochures next week to promote the upcoming sale."
The action or an instance of flowing or coming out, an outflow
"The local historian spent hours researching the genealogy of every known issue living in the area to preserve their unique heritage."
A movement of soldiers towards an enemy, a sortie.
A Monacan Indian; a member of a Mestee group originating in Amherst County, Virginia.
In plain English: An issue is a specific problem or topic that people are talking about and trying to solve.
"We need to discuss the issue before we can make a decision."
Usage: Do not use "issue" to mean a person or an ethnic group, as this historical term for the Monacan Indian people is now considered offensive and incorrect. In everyday modern English, "issue" refers strictly to a topic of discussion, a problem, or something produced by someone.
bring out an official document (such as a warrant)
"The police officer issued a search warrant to enter the suspect's apartment."
To flow out, to proceed from, to come out or from.
"Smoke began to issue from the crack in the chimney as soon as the fire was lit."
In plain English: To issue something means to officially give it out or send it to people.
"The manager will issue a statement to address the rumors."
Usage: Use the verb issue to describe liquid flowing out of an opening or documents being formally released by an authority. Avoid using it for general problems unless specifically referring to a formal matter requiring attention.
The word issue entered English from Old French as meaning an exit or way out. Its legal sense developed later to describe the result of a lawsuit before evolving further into its modern meanings.