article

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noun ar·ti·cle \ˈär-ti-kəl\

Definition of article

1a : a distinct often numbered section of a writing an article of the constitutionb : a separate clausec : a stipulation in a document (such as a contract or a creed) articles of indentured : a nonfictional prose composition usually forming an independent part of a publication (such as a magazine) wrote an article for the newspaper
2 : an item of business : matter
3 grammar : any of a small set of words or affixes (such as a, an, and the) used with nouns to limit or give definiteness to the application
4 : a member of a class of things; especially : an item of goods articles of value
5 : a thing or person of a particular and distinctive kind or class the genuine article

See article defined for English-language learners

See article defined for kids

Examples of article in a Sentence

I just read an interesting article on the city's early history.
He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals.
Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
The company amended its articles of incorporation.

Recent Examples of article from the Web

This article includes material from Star-Telegram archives.

— julie johnsson, star-telegram, "Increased F-35 production driving Lockheed profits higher," 18 July 2017
A medical school dean who helped recruit an acclaimed researcher in San Diego to the University of Southern California committed various improprieties, according to an extensive article in the Los Angeles Times published Monday.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Former USC dean accused of drug abuse had recruited top Alzheimer's researcher in San Diego," 17 July 2017
R Kelly has been holding women hostage against their will, according to an explosive article by Buzzfeed published Monday.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "7 Things We Learned About R Kelly From Buzzfeed's Article On His Secret 'Cult'," 17 July 2017
The Star’s Hunter Woodall contributed to this article.

— lindsay wise, kansascity, "Moran won’t support GOP health care bill, sinking legislation’s chances for now," 17 July 2017
Editor's note: This article originally published on March 1, 2017, but was updated with additional details, information about scarce mini-ITX availability, and links to AM4 motherboard models after Ryzen's launch.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "AMD Ryzen motherboards explained: The crucial differences in every AM4 chipset," 17 July 2017
The announcement came with a pointed, veiled comment from Bailey about The Hollywood Reporter’s article on the studio’s difficult time finding their young male lead.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Disney Announces Main Aladdin Cast Including Will Smith," 15 July 2017
This late 2015 article in Nature broke down the grants using fetal tissue that NIH funded in 2014, according to general area of research.

— meredith wadman, Science | AAAS, "House Republicans move to bar funding for NIH fetal tissue research," 13 July 2017
This is not the first explicitly patriotic article of clothing Streep has worn, for those keeping track at home.

— vanityfair.com, "Here’s How Much Meryl Streep Loves the Obamas," 11 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'article.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of article

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin articulus joint, division, diminutive of artus joint, limb; akin to Greek arariskein to fit — more at arm

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

article

verb ar·ti·cle

Definition of article

articled

;

articling

\-k(ə-)liŋ\

transitive verb
: to bind by articles (as of apprenticeship) (see ¹article 1c) He went to Durham Grammar School, was articled to a solicitor in Newcastle at seventeen, moved to another firm in London at twenty … — T. J. Binyon

See article defined for English-language learners

Examples of article in a Sentence

He articled at the famous law firm many years ago.

Origin and Etymology of article

see ¹article

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1693

See Words from the same year

ARTICLE Defined for English Language Learners

article

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noun

Definition of article for English Language Learners

: a piece of writing about a particular subject that is included in a magazine, newspaper, etc.
: a particular kind of object
: a separate part of a legal document that deals with a single subject

article

verb

Definition of article for English Language Learners

: to work for a group of lawyers, architects, etc., while you are learning to become a lawyer, architect, etc.

ARTICLE Defined for Kids

article

play

noun ar·ti·cle \ˈär-ti-kəl\

Definition of article for Students

1 : a piece of writing other than fiction or poetry that forms a separate part of a publication (as a magazine or newspaper)
2 : one of a class of things articles of clothing
3 : a word (as a, an, or the) used with a noun to limit it or make it clearer
4 : a separate part of a document The first article of the Constitution of the United States creates the legislative branch.

Law Dictionary

article

noun ar·ti·cle

Legal Definition of article

1a : a separate and usually numbered or otherwise marked section (as of a statute, indictment, will, or other writing) b : a separate point, charge, count, or clause c : a condition or stipulation in a document (as a contract)
2 : a document setting forth the terms of an agreement —usually used in plural articles of merger
3 pl : articles of incorporation