feature
noun
verb (used with object), fea·tured, fea·tur·ing.
verb (used without object), fea·tured, fea·tur·ing.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON THE 12 TYPES OF VERB TENSES!
Meet Grammar Coach
Improve Your Writing
Origin of feature
synonym study for feature
OTHER WORDS FROM feature
trans·fea·ture, verb (used with object), trans·fea·tured, trans·fea·tur·ing.un·der·fea·ture, nounWords nearby feature
VOCAB BUILDER
What is a basic definition of feature?
A feature is a distinctive trait or a special attraction. Feature can also mean to give special attention to something. The word feature has several other senses as a noun and a verb.
A feature is a unique quality or characteristic that something has.
- Real-life examples: Elaborately colored tail feathers are peacocks’ most well-known feature. Earth has many features, such as a particular atmosphere, abundance of water, and temperature that make it able to sustain life. Platypuses have many features that are unusual in mammals, such as a bill and the ability to lay eggs.
- Used in a sentence: My house is really boring and doesn’t have any cool features that set it apart from every other house in the neighborhood.
Feature can also mean a special attraction or enticing quality that something has. Not all features are necessarily useful and, especially in advertising, they are often added to amaze rather than perform a useful function.
- Real-life examples: Smartphones often have many features, such as Bluetooth technology, a camera, and many other additions that entice customers to buy it. People who buy cars are often interested in extra features, such as rear-view cameras, automated steering, and heated seats.
- Used in a sentence: I always go for cameras with lots of neat features, like custom white balancing.
As a verb, feature means to draw special attention to something or to shine the spotlight on it. If something is featured, it is mentioned first, given the most time, advertised most heavily, or invested the most effort into.
- Real-life examples: Movie advertising often features a big star on posters and in commercials even if the person is barely in the movie. The main event fight is usually featured by boxing or mixed martial arts promoters because it will attract the most ticket buyers.
- Used in a sentence: I really like this song because it features the drummer the most.
Where does feature come from?
The first records of feature come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Latin factūra, meaning “formation or manufacture.”
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to feature?
- featured (adjective, past tense verb)
- featureless (adjective)
- transfeature (verb)
- underfeature (noun)
What are some synonyms for feature?
What are some words that share a root or word element with feature?
What are some words that often get used in discussing feature?
How is feature used in real life?
Feature is a common word that means a special trait something has or means to spotlight something.
Not sure how I feel about the Apple Watch. Yes, some very cool features, but nothing your smartphone can't already do.
— jacksfilms (@jacksfilms) September 9, 2014
Odd feature of walk-through trains: if people are singing, you can hear them from the other end. It’s like having the radio on quiet.
— Mike Brown (@mikearildbrown) December 16, 2017
Today’s show features a special message on behalf of everyone in the Jeopardy! family. 💜
Alex taped shows through December 25th, 2020. They will air as he intended, in his honor.
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 9, 2020
Try using feature!
True or False?
If something is featured, it is ignored or hidden away.