determiner

noun

de·​ter·​min·​er di-ˈtər-mə-nər How to pronounce determiner (audio)
: one that determines: such as
a
: gene
b
: a word (such as an article, possessive, demonstrative, or quantifier) that makes specific the denotation of a noun phrase

Examples of determiner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The judges were focused largely on the recommendations algorithm that powers TikTok’s powerful For You page, which is the primary determiner of what videos people see on the app. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 One of the most significant perhaps is that the nature of the transgression is a huge determiner of whether a forgive-and-forget is feasible, or even warranted. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 Exercise, a good diet and safe habits are some of the biggest determiners of both quality of life and life expectancy. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2024 But in his view, the icons are more a reflection of people’s cultural values and online conversations than a determiner of them. Lauren Leffer, Scientific American, 2 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for determiner 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'determiner.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of determiner was circa 1530

Dictionary Entries Near determiner

Cite this Entry

“Determiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determiner. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

determiner

noun
de·​ter·​min·​er di-ˈtər-mə-nər How to pronounce determiner (audio)
: a word belonging to a group of noun modifiers that can occur before descriptive adjectives modifying the same noun
"the" in "the red house" is a determiner

Medical Definition

determiner

noun
de·​ter·​min·​er -ˈtərm-(ə-)nər How to pronounce determiner (audio)
: gene
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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