determiner
noun
de·ter·min·er
di-ˈtər-mə-nər 
: 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
Among all the variables examined, the largest single determiner in how long an individual spent in its nest each night was the presence or absence of other orangutans.
—
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
But in the earthly order, utility—usefulness for man—is the main determiner of value.
—Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
An area’s function was the biggest determiner of the germ and chemical cocktail lingering on surfaces.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for determiner
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
But in the earthly order, utility—usefulness for man—is the main determiner of value.
—Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
An area’s function was the biggest determiner of the germ and chemical cocktail lingering on surfaces.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for determiner
Cite this Entry
“Determiner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determiner. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
determiner
noun
de·ter·min·er
di-ˈtər-mə-nər
: 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
: gene
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share