object

noun

ob·ject | \ ˈäb-jikt

Definition of object

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : something material that may be perceived by the senses I see an object in the distance.

b : something that when viewed stirs a particular emotion (such as pity) Look on the tragic loading of this bed … the object poisons sight; let it be hid.— William Shakespeare

2a : something mental or physical toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed an object for study the object of my affection delicately carved art objects

b : something physical that is perceived by an individual and becomes an agent for psychological identification The mother is the primary object of the child.

3a : the goal or end of an effort or activity : purpose, objective Their object is to investigate the matter thoroughly. The object of the game is to score the most points.

b : a cause for attention or concern Money is no object.

4 : a thing that forms an element of or constitutes the subject matter of an investigation or science objects of study

5a : a noun or noun equivalent (such as a pronoun, gerund, or clause) denoting the goal or result of the action of a verb (such as ball in I hit the ball)

b : a noun or noun equivalent in a prepositional phrase (such as table in on the table)

6a : a data structure in object-oriented programming that can contain functions (see function entry 1 sense 7) as well as constants, variables, and other data structures

b : a discrete entity (such as a window or icon) in computer graphics (see graphic entry 2 sense 2b) that can be manipulated independently of other such entities

object

verb

ob·ject | \ əb-ˈjekt

objected; objecting; objects

Definition of object (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to put forth in opposition or as an objection objected that the statement was misleading

intransitive verb

1 : to oppose something firmly and usually with words or arguments

2 : to feel distaste for something

object

adjective

\ ˈäb-jikt

, -(ˌ)jekt

Definition of object (Entry 3 of 3)

: of, relating to, or being object code an object file

Other Words from object Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about object

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Other Words from object

Noun

objectless \ ˈäb-jikt-ləs

, -(ˌ)jekt- \ adjective

objectlessness noun

Verb

objector \ əb-ˈjek-tər

\ noun

Synonyms for object

Synonyms: Noun

thing

Synonyms: Verb

demur, except, expostulate, kick, protest, remonstrate

Choose the Right Synonym for object

Noun

intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about. announced his intention to marry intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. the clear intent of the statute purpose suggests a more settled determination. being successful was her purpose in life design implies a more carefully calculated plan. the order of events came by accident, not design aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. her aim was to raise film to an art form end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such. willing to use any means to achieve his end object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. his constant object was the achievement of pleasure objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. their objective is to seize the oil fields goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. worked years to reach her goals

Verb

object and protest mean to oppose something by arguing against it. object is used of a person's great dislike or hatred. I object to being called a liar. protest is used for the act of presenting objections in speech, writing, or in an organized, public demonstration. There were several groups protesting the building of the airport.

Examples of object in a Sentence

Noun

There were three objects in the box: a comb, a pen, and a button. His object is to determine how much the business will cost to operate.

Verb

No one objected when the paintings were removed. “We can't buy the chair,” he objected. “It won't fit in the car.”

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Among the objects recovered by archaeologists are a harp from Western Asia and silk from eastern China. — Joel Achenbach, Anchorage Daily News, "Archaeologists find signs of ritualized cannabis smoking 2,500 years ago in China," 13 June 2019 These objects have potential to conduct electricity to and through your body, which will kill you. — Micah Walker, Detroit Free Press, "Man fatally electrocuted while cutting trees in Southfield," 9 June 2019 All of this creates a challenge for insurance on top of the big one: These objects are completely unique. — Trevor Fraser, orlandosentinel.com, "The art of insuring fine art gets tricky sometimes," 7 June 2019 Both objects should be visible through binoculars in the same field of view. — Andrew Fazekas, National Geographic, "Solstice arrives, and more top stargazing events in June," 31 May 2019 The space features desk lamps from Charlton by AERIN for Visual Comfort, the chandelier is the Windsor by Ralph Lauren, and the geometric objects are by Amy Meier for Stone Yard. — Monique Valeris, ELLE Decor, "Office Envy: See Where Two Top Designers Bring Their Big Ideas to Life," 3 May 2019 These Titanian objects stand out in their environs, sticking hundreds of feet above the surrounding landscape. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Cassini Found That Titan Has Lakes of Methane Resting on Giant Mesas," 16 Apr. 2019 Far from being hinderances to a more streamlined life, my objects are the steadfast companions in the kind of semi-transient existence typical of New Yorkers of a certain age. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "Please Stop Trying to Make Me KonMari My Home," 21 Mar. 2019 Together these objects relate the complex history of an art whose development forms one of the most engaging chapters in the history of French ceramics. — Barrymore Laurence Scherer, WSJ, "‘Masterpieces of French Faience: Selections From the Sidney R. Knafel Collection’ Review: Not Dishwasher Safe," 1 Jan. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Drivers also object to bicyclists who zip through stop signs and don’t follow other rules of the road. — Jerry Fallstrom, orlandosentinel.com, "Resurfaced Sugarloaf Mountain Road offers smoother ride for cyclists: ‘The road really looks nice’," 6 June 2019 After a brief chat, Tyrion proposes that Bran should be king, and literally no one objects (although Sansa insists to keep the North a separate kingdom). — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Twitter Is Trolling Bran's Ending in the Game of Thrones Finale," 20 May 2019 Democrats are objecting, of course, as are some Never Trump conservatives. — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, "We aren’t alarmed enough about Jeff Sessions’s firing," 8 Nov. 2018 Henry’s FBI Task Force handler and his school resource officer submitted an affidavit, but ICE is objecting to the statement. — Hannah Dreier, Daily Intelligencer, "Did ICE Violate a Teen Informant’s Civil Rights?," 27 Apr. 2018 But several activist groups are objecting to his past comments that have seemed derogatory toward Muslims and gay people. — Chris Megerian, latimes.com, "Trump's pick for secretary of State readies for confirmation hearing Thursday," 10 Apr. 2018 Video by Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press Wochit Ole Miss is objecting to an NCAA waiver claim for immediate eligibility made by current Michigan, and former Rebel, quarterback Shea Patterson, per a report. — Nick Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Ole Miss reportedly objects to Michigan's Shea Patterson's waiver claim," 9 Apr. 2018 Hospital pathologists have strongly objected to the Paige. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "The New Frontier of Participatory Cancer Research," 26 Apr. 2019 Pharmaceutical companies have objected to their medicines being used in capital punishment situations. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "Nevada death-row inmate stuck in legal limbo: 'Just get it done'," 9 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

But a key difference is that these are entirely in 3D and are deployed with a much smarter sense of spatial and object recognition, thanks to Google’s advances in artificial intelligence. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Google has a big advantage over Facebook in a crisis," 10 Oct. 2018 In South Korea, where the government of President Moon Jae-in has been pushing for the détente between the United States and North Korea, officials did not object outright to Mr. Trump’s surprise announcement about military drills. — Motoko Rich, New York Times, "Trump-Kim Summit Creates New Anxieties for Asian Allies," 13 June 2018 Annihilation’s great achievement is in exploring these themes through object embodiment, rather than in words. — Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "Annihilation Is a Brilliant Splicing of Woolf With Cronenberg," 27 Feb. 2018 Fans will no doubt object to the change since the race - like everything else about Marlins baseball - is steeped in tradition, dating all the way back to 2012. — Bud Shaw, cleveland.com, "Which trade deadline addition will make the biggest impact for the Cavs: Bud vs. Doug," 14 Feb. 2018 But Democrats — who are typically fiercely opposed to any reductions in Medicare, which would see roughly $25 billion in cuts per year — did not object Thursday. — Author: Mike Debonis, Erica Werner, Anchorage Daily News, "Congress averts partial government shutdown with Senate passage of stopgap spending bill," 22 Dec. 2017 Hence, the New Yorker’s dilemma: resign yourself to living with an unsightly object year-round or go to the trouble of removing it? — Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, "The Window Air-Conditioner: Should It Stay or Go?," 3 Nov. 2017 Princeton Lightwave's technology will help Argo move forward in handling object detection in challenging scenarios, such as fog, heavy rain and snow and safely operating at high speeds. — Greg Gardner, Detroit Free Press, "Ford partner Argo AI buys Princeton Lightwave to expand autonomous tools," 27 Oct. 2017 Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, meanwhile, didn’t even object to Senator Orrin Hatch’s suggestion that Hill had copied one of her stories about Clarence Thomas from The Exorcist. — Rebecca Traister, The Cut, "The Conversation We Should Be Having," 19 Oct. 2017

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

History and Etymology for object

Noun

Middle English object, objecte "something presented to the senses, purpose, objection," borrowed from Latin objectum "something presented to the senses, charge, accusation" (Medieval Latin also, "something presented to the mind, goal, aim"), noun derivative from neuter of objectus, past participle of obicere, objicere "to throw in the way, place against, put forward, present (to the eyes, mind, etc.), cite as a ground for disapproval," from ob- "against, in the way" + jacere "to throw, cast" — more at ob-, jet entry 3

Verb

Middle English objecten, in part borrowed from Latin objectus, past participle of obicere, objicere "to throw in the way, put forward, cite as a ground for disapproval or criticism," in part borrowed from Latin objectāre "to throw before, put in the way, cite as a ground for disapproval," frequentative of obicere — more at object entry 1

Adjective

from attributive use of object entry 1

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Dictionary Entries near object

Statistics for object

Last Updated

16 Jun 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for object

The first known use of object was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for object

object

noun

English Language Learners Definition of object

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a thing that you can see and touch and that is not alive

: someone or something that makes you feel a specified emotion

: someone or something that your attention or interest is directed toward

object

verb

English Language Learners Definition of object (Entry 2 of 2)

: to disagree with something or oppose something

: to say (something that explains why you oppose something or disagree)

See the full definition for object in the English Language Learners Dictionary

object

noun

ob·ject | \ ˈäb-jikt

Kids Definition of object

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something that may be seen or felt Tables and chairs are objects.

2 : purpose, aim The object is to raise money.

3 : something that arouses feelings in an observer That diamond is the object of their envy.

4 : a noun or a term behaving like a noun that receives the action of a verb or completes the meaning of a preposition

object

verb

ob·ject | \ əb-ˈjekt

objected; objecting

Kids Definition of object (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to offer or mention as a reason for a feeling of disapproval She objected that the price was too high.

2 : to oppose something firmly and usually with words Surely her mother would not object to a nutritious hard-boiled egg.— Beverly Cleary, Ramona Quimby