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
The algorithm is the great determiner of success and failure, and the people who are always trying to game its secrets tend, ultimately, to do the same things.
—
Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2025
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
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
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Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2025
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
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 29 Dec. 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
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