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

Example Sentences

Coach Ron Rivera likes to use the definite article “the” when describing his young quarterback.

From Washington Times • Nov. 6, 2023

Roberts has, however, decided not to do so in the next one, in which the president — note the definite article: “the” — is not on trial.

From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2021

Seems to me the definite article is a very important element in rock 'n' roll.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2020

In the interview, Mike talks with Touré about why his podcast title, Touré Show, doesn’t have a definite article.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2020

This is the major distinction between the indefinite article, a, and the definite article, the.6 When a character makes his first appearance on stage, he is introduced with a.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker