definite article

American  

noun

Grammar.

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

---

definite article British  

noun

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

---

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.)

---

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

Apparently, it doesn’t even warrant a definite article.

From New York Times • Mar. 16, 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

It was only very slowly that the first won out over the second in the claim to the definite article.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton