article

play

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

But Mr. Walsh and most black-cab drivers interviewed for this article voted in favor.

— katrin bennhold, New York Times, "On London’s Streets, Black Cabs and Uber Fight for a Future", 4 July 2017
For quick score updates, breaking news and links to all of your favorite articles featuring the Bulldogs, please follow @SamfordHoopsFOE and @Samford_Sports on Twitter.

— samford athletics, AL.com, "Samford's Scott Padgett signs 5-year contact extension through 2022", 3 July 2017
This article contains information from Star-Telegram archives.

— mitch mitchell, star-telegram, "Will Fort Worth police group take no-confidence vote on chief?", 30 June 2017
On Thursday, Quartz posted an article revealing how the luxury lifestyle website Goop and the right-wing conspiracy hub Infowars essentially sell the same wellness products.

— ethan sapienza, The Cut, "Goop and Infowars Have Way More in Common Than You Thought", 30 June 2017
This article was originally published at 11:25 a.m.

— andy nguyen, Burbank Leader, "South Pasadena police reportedly involved in fatal Burbank shooting", 29 June 2017
According to the article, the Air Force hopes that its next-generation air superiority fighter, now just called Penetrating Counter Air, could work together with the F-22A the same way the F-22A currently works with the F-15C Golden Eagle.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The Air Force Thinks It Can Fly the F-22 Raptor Until 2060", 28 June 2017
RELATED: Just a Reminder, the Best Wine Night of Summer is Back This article originally appeared in the July 2017 issue.

— michalene busico, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Definitive Guide to Natural Wine in L.A.", 28 June 2017
A gallery online shows a portrait of Nicklaus on hanging on one wall at the club and family photos on another, but no articles about the Golden Bear.

— sam dangremond, Town & Country, "At Donald Trump's Golf Clubs, the President Is Everywhere", 28 June 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!

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!

First Known Use: 1693

See Words from the same year

ARTICLE Defined for English Language Learners

article

play

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