Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Grammar): A word used before a noun to indicate whether the noun refers to a specific, known entity or a non-specific, general one. In English, the definite article is "the" and the indefinite articles are "a" and "an."
   • A piece of writing: A distinct, non-fictional prose composition on a specific topic, published in a newspaper, magazine, journal, or online.
   • A distinct section or clause: A separate item or provision within a formal document, such as a legal contract, treaty, constitution, or set of rules.
   • An object or item: A particular thing or commodity, especially one among a group of similar things.

2. Verb:

   • To bind by contract: To hire or bind someone, such as an apprentice, by a formal contract or articles of agreement.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Grammar):
  • Please pass me the book. (Here, "the" is the definite article.)
  • She is writing an article for the school magazine.
• Noun (Legal/Formal Document):
  • The treaty consists of fifteen articles.
  • Refer to Article 5 of the company bylaws for the dress code policy.
• Noun (Object):
  • This shop sells various articles of clothing.
  • He donated several valuable articles to the museum.
• Verb:
  • He was articled to a law firm for five years.

Advanced Usage

• In the article of death: (Archaic/Literary) At the moment of dying.
  • The priest arrived in the article of death to give the last rites.
• Article of faith: A core belief or principle that is firmly held, often within a religion or ideology.
  • For him, honesty is an article of faith.

Variants and Related Words

• Articled (adjective): Bound by a contract of apprenticeship.
  • An articled clerk.
• Articles (plural noun, specific): The contract binding an apprentice.
  • He signed his articles to become a carpenter.

Synonyms

• Noun (Writing): Essay, report, piece, story.
• Noun (Clause): Clause, provision, section, item, point.
• Noun (Object): Item, object, thing, commodity.

Related Phrases

• Leading article: (Chiefly British) The main editorial in a newspaper.
• Definite article: The grammatical term for "the."
• Indefinite article: The grammatical term for "a" or "an."

Noun

1. (grammar) a determiner that may indicate the specificity of reference of a noun phrase
2. a separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)
3. one of a class of artifacts
   • an article of clothing
4. nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

Verb

1. bind by a contract; especially for a training period