the possessive
noun
grammar
: the form of a word that shows possession or belonging
The possessive of "it" is "its."
Examples of the possessive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The plaque on the bridge uses the possessive form, but all official digital records omit it.
—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
As a result, Navid must redefine his identity beyond being his identical twin brother’s mirror image, while navigating the possessive desires of his clients, his brother, and his new lover.
—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2025
Specifically, the divisions are about how to use apostrophes when writing about the candidates in the possessive.
—
Mike Allen,
Axios,
14 Aug. 2024
Like Kincaid and Dungy, Rush exposes the possessive and often violent traditions of naming the natural world.
—
Emily Raboteau,
The New York Review of Books,
1 Nov. 2020
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Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
As a result, Navid must redefine his identity beyond being his identical twin brother’s mirror image, while navigating the possessive desires of his clients, his brother, and his new lover.
—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2025
Specifically, the divisions are about how to use apostrophes when writing about the candidates in the possessive.
—
Mike Allen,
Axios,
14 Aug. 2024
Like Kincaid and Dungy, Rush exposes the possessive and often violent traditions of naming the natural world.
—
Emily Raboteau,
The New York Review of Books,
1 Nov. 2020
Cite this Entry
“The possessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20possessive. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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