definite article

American  

noun

Grammar.

1. an article, as English the, that classes as identified or definite the noun it modifies.

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definite article British  

noun

1. grammar a determiner that expresses specificity of reference, such as the in English Compare indefinite article

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definite article Cultural  

1. The word the; the article that precedes names of specific items: “the dog,” “the boats,” “the heavy anchor.” (Compare indefinite article.)

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Etymology

Origin of definite article

First recorded in 1755–65