definite article

noun

Grammar.

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

definite article

noun

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

definite article

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of definite article¹

First recorded in 1755–65